BRENDAN McMAHON,
Madam, - Over the years various Ministers for Finance have introduced measures to close loopholes in legislation which had been vigorously exploited by lawyers, accountants and other tax advisers. These counter measures have applied from the date of the amended legislation, without retrospective effect.
Last week's Supreme Court ruling has effectively closed the loophole whereby people without an automatic right to stay here could remain in Ireland if their children were born here. The same principle should apply. Those now facing the prospect of deportation they should be granted an amnesty.
Government failure to do this will give rise to the charge that there is indeed one rule for the rich and powerful and one for the weakest, poorest and most vulnerable in our society. - Yours, etc.,
BRENDAN McMAHON,
Elmwood,
Naas,
Co Kildare