Letters: Our hapless government should stop trying to fix problems for the rest of its tenure

Considering the chaotic outcomes delivered thus far by its plans to address housing, healthcare and the provision of other social goods, maybe it would serve us all better if this Government stopped trying to solve problems – imagined or otherwise – for the remainder of its tenure.

Its most recent attempt at doing “some good” has merely added to frustrations. The over-the-top, ill-thought-out Deposit Return Scheme for plastic bottles and cans has managed to infuriate many diligent recyclers.

On top of that, it fails to account for the difficulties experienced by elderly and disabled people who feel cut off from the system.

A combination of good intentions and incompetence at government level never ended well.

Jim O’Sullivan, Rathedmond, Co Sligo

Government’s drastic cuts to Ukrainians’ benefits will not paper over cracks

In providing supports for migrants to Ireland, a balance is required to ensure proper provision for genuine asylum-seekers while not creating a pull factor that attracts illegal economic migrants trying to play the system.

All those here from Ukraine genuinely require asylum, many have lawfully obtained employment and are not dependent on state aid. Others, for a variety of reasons, have not been able to do so.

Under political pressure due to gross government incompetence in administering our asylum system, and with elections looming, it seems Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and the Greens believe they can boost their electoral support by drastically and rapidly cutting benefits to an estimated 27,000 Ukrainian recipients.

This is also at a time when Russia is expanding its war on Ukraine and Kharkiv is again at risk of Russian occupation.

The coalition parties have, essentially for perceived electoral benefit, declared a political war on Ukrainians who have no choice but to remain in Ireland.

This ill-conceived “emergency” government initiative designed to distract from urban migrant encampments has nothing to do with that issue. Nor does it address government failings that are responsible for current difficulties.

The announced cut in benefits has understandably created panic and confusion within a Ukrainian community grateful to Ireland for the welcome and supports received so far.

This particularly applies to the most vulnerable, such as the elderly, women with young children and those detrimentally impacted by violence seen and experienced when still in Ukraine.

Alan Shatter, Dublin 16

Eurovision vote does not reflect Irish people’s views of Israel’s appalling acts

In his opinion of the Eurovision Song Contest, Jason Fitzharris claims “the Irish public is not interested in the constant Israel-bashing” (‘Eurovision public vote has shown politicians hitting the wrong notes on Israel’, Letters, May 14)

Does Mr Fitzharris actually perceive the votes in a song contest to be the Irish people’s approval of Israel’s actions in Gaza? Time and again the Irish public have shown their abhorrence at Israel’s slaughter of civilians.

Apart from the actions of students, one only has to observe the public debates and the participation of various groupings in street rallies – such as nurses’ organisations, trade union members, artists and musicians’ groups, and people of all races and ages – to understand the revulsion felt at apartheid Israel’s ongoing attacks on Gaza.

The ballot in a song contest hardly counts as a national poll, nor does it “show solidarity with the people of Israel”.

I agree with Mr Fitzharris on one thing – that the “Irish Government had better be listening”. Alas, not to the Eurovision Song Contest, but to the voice of its own people.

David Murphy, Clonskeagh, Dublin 14

Raising age limit merely a smoke screen to mask health system’s failings

I had to visit the emergency department at Beaumont Hospital yesterday.

It was pitiful to watch people trying to handle their illness with some level of dignity, while doctors, nurses and floor staff desperately strived to treat patients. This is third-world country medical provision, at best.

I thought of Health Minister Stephen Donnelly, who was beaming on Tuesday as he announced another groundbreaking innovation by Ireland. This related to raising the legal age to buy cigarettes from 18 to 21. A first for Europe.

“I hope other countries will follow our lead,” he said.

This announcement epitomises just how seriously our politicians are taking our health crisis.

Far simpler to strut about proclaiming a facile victory in the smoking debate, rather than try to get to grips with the real issues.

Eamon Kearney, Dublin 13

Spectre of Taylor’s world title fight sharing bill with gimmick bout sits uneasy

Katie Taylor expressed admiration for Mike Tyson in the New York press conference for her upcoming fight against Amanda Serrano.

She spoke warmly about the equal billing her fight will receive with that of 57-year-old Tyson against 27-year-old YouTuber Jake Paul on July 20.

This will, for some, represent a new low in Irish sporting history. It is another illustration of the crass and reckless commercialisation of sport.

Chris Fitzpatrick, Terenure, Dublin 6

Direct phone calls were not just romantic – they made us more reasonable

Mary Kenny’s article about the days of the direct phone call reminded me of the man, during that time, who got out of his bath on hearing his phone ringing (‘The age of the direct phone call may be receding, but what a romantic era it was’, Comment, May 15).

When the caller apologised for disturbing him, he responded: “Don’t worry. Sure I had to get out of the bath to answer the phone anyway.”

Tom Gilsenan Beaumont, Dublin 9

Portal transported us to another dimension where mortification is felt by all

Who would have thought the word “portal” could mean “severe national embarrassment”?

Peter Declan O’Halloran, Belturbet, Co Cavan