Sir, - As one who was for many years an economic emigrant, I am saddened and dismayed to read your report that the Irish Refugee Council is no longer able to provide legal aid to asylum-seekers (The Irish Times, September 25th). The seriousness and gravity of the situation needs to be understood beyond the plight of refugees on this island. It should also be seen beyond the financially compromised status of the IRC, and even beyond the dithering of our Minister for Justice. At a time when we seek a new Head Of State and guardian of our treasured Constitution, we must look at ourselves and ask questions.Firstly, why was so much Dail time and parliamentary resources squandered on framing the 1996 Refugee Act if it was only selectively used by the Department of Justice? A full enactment of the Act's substantial provisions would have prevented the current crisis. Is the Minister now asking taxpayers to bleed just a little more when this has to be bantered about in the Dail once again?Secondly, what would be the consequences if, for example, our next President's salary and office costs could be compromised at the whim of either the Government or the Oireachtas? The lack of total political and financial independence in providing legal advice to asylum-seekers - in the immediate term and over a fixed long term - is a direct slur on the spirit of Irish liberty.Thirdly, all the boasting of our vibrant, outwardly-looking economy looks shallow, if not questionable, in the light of Government neglect in fulfilling its human rights obligations under international law. Indeed, the Irish Constitution itself demands protection of non-citizens on its territory. How much do we pride ourselves and are we prepared to fool ourselves even further? Has prosperity and greed robbed us of our history, not to mention our traditional sense of fair play? - Yours, etc.,From Ciaran WalshKincora Drive, Dublin 3.