One cutback they would be right to make

WHILE many people, especially the unfortunate first-time house buyers, are coming to terms with the recent spate of government cutbacks, it should be noted that these are not being applied consistently.

While Ireland’s foreign aid budget for developing counties is to be curtailed, our contribution to the controversial UN Population Fund (UNFPA) is soon to be increased to a whopping €2m.

For those who may not have heard of this organisation, the UNFPA operates not in the western world, where many of its policies would contravene even the most basic equality and human rights legislation, but in the developing world.

Many will also be unaware that a US Congress investigation last May found that UNFPA was subsidising the notorious and inhumane Chinese one child policy, and for this reason the US rightly ceased funding the organisation.

Given the overwhelming evidence which exists against the UNPFA, this is one area where a government cut in funding would be welcome.

Eilís Ní Raollaigh,

Maree Road,

Oranmore,

Co Galway.