Sir, - Your editorial (May 20th) points to the neglect of children in the past and quite rightly states that far more is needed in child care services. When Mr Brendan Howlin was Minister for Health he published a document called "Shaping a Healthier Future". One of the principles enshrined in this document was that of equity. There has been little debate in Ireland on issues of equity in health care. International research points to childhood as being the most vulnerable phase of the human life cycle to the effects of both poverty and ill health. The recent Barnardo's report indicates that 26 per cent of children are now living in poverty.
The population of the Republic of Ireland is now just below replacement level. Good child care at all levels should be seen as an investment in the future. We still have Third World breast feeding rates and immunisation levels in Ireland. In addition, two thirds of adults seem to agree with the physical punishment of children. Visitors to Ireland always notice the child beggars on our streets and the more perceptive notice how easily we live with such a public display of poverty. Pity Mr Austin Currie who swelters under the effects of fragmented child care, risky health behaviours and Victorian attitudes to our children. Let us hope his child care package is not merely focused on child protection but takes in matters of children's health as well.
If we are to take children's health seriously, we are going to have to invest in both social services and health services for children and their families. Child care is a mess in Ireland because we thought we were good at it. As a people we need to make reparation to children and we need to provide a fair, just and healthy environment for them to realise their potential. Yours, etc.,
Professor of General Practice,
University of Dublin,
Trinity College,
Dublin 2.