Madam, - Along with the rest of us, Bertie and Mary must be wondering what is to become of the one in five patients who cannot now be seen to by our pauperised hospitals.
The answer may lie in the ruins in an old churchyard in Youghal.
In an innovation clearly ahead of its time as a "must-have" for post Celtic-tiger Ireland, a building to house fevered famine victims was erected right in the graveyard, complete with a little chute to take the recently deceased directly on their way.
So there you have it: waiting rooms in graveyards. At least it would have a ring of honesty about it - unlike the pre-election promises of Bertie and Mary just one year ago. - Yours, etc.,
READ MORE
ANNE CAHILL,
Laurel Park,
Clondalkin,
Dublin 22.