Let's be generous with the gift of citizenship

AS the mother of two Irish children, I value their good fortune and privilege in being born in a country which respects their human rights and affords them opportunities to make the most of their lives.

As an Irish citizen and a taxpayer, I am more than happy to extend this privilege to children born here to non-national parents. These parents include those who have come to Ireland specifically, so that their children will have Irish citizenship and might thus enjoy the opportunities and protection that we so value for our children.

These people all have a nationality. Some may come from countries that are war weary, have poor human rights records and are not democratically-run.

Given that the vast majority of refugees are displaced within the Third World and the majority of economic migrants make it no further than the nearest city slums, is it too much to ask that we protect the right of a handful to enjoy the gift of Irish citizenship?

Ger Halbert,

Glenville,

Co Cork.