Madam, - With reference to the letter by Mr Liam Ó Géibheannaigh (December 17th), it is interesting to note that he advises the government to issue "mandatory identity cards for foreigners with a view of protecting the life and property of its citizens".
But how does one distinguish between a foreigner and an Irish citizen? As he correctly points out there are close to half a million people of foreign descent in Ireland. The Department of Enterprise this year alone has granted close to 50, 000 work permits.
Many of these people, including myself, have lived in Ireland for a number of years and have become "naturalised citizens". So do we now grant powers to the Garda to stop people in the street just because they are black, brown, or look different from what is perceived to be an "Irish citizen"? - Yours, etc.,
HITESH TEWARI, Glenmalure Court, Dublin 8.