Sir, - I fully endorse the words of Dr Cavanagh of Irish Business against Litter (April 24th). One of the key themes of my presidency of the Irish Hotels Federation is the protection and enhancement of the quality of life that we and our visitors experience in Ireland. Litter on our streets and country roads is a disgrace - and it is getting worse.
Ireland is a magnificent country to visit. We need to keep it that way. The discarding of rubbish on our streets, footpaths, railway stations, bus stops and public areas happens far too often. Nobody likes it - especially overseas visitors. When you consider that our tourist industry contributes over £2 billion each year to the Irish economy, we must ensure that anything that can damage it is minimised.
In order that the next generation may have a better attitude, I would like to see litter removed by children as a weekly practical exercise in the teaching of civics in all primary schools.
We support and encourage IBAL and we also call on the Minister to implement Fianna Fail's position paper. - Yours, etc.,
Bill Power
President, Irish Hotels Federation, Northbrook Road, Dublin 6.