Sir. I have had occasion to visit Romania many times since the fall of the Berlin Wall. It is a country confronting a great many serious and difficult problems. I am deeply concerned at some of the extremely racist remarks that are currently being given air time in this country regarding many of the refugees arriving here.
Of course, the organised trafficking of people has to be both investigated and stopped. It is a serious problem throughout Europe.
Tennessee Williams's words, "I have often had reason to be grateful for the kindness of strangers", come to mind. We, in Ireland, have indeed had reason to be grateful for the kindness of many strangers in many parts of the world, particularly in the UK and United States.
Many Romanian children were recently adopted in this country. These children were welcomed into the families and communities where they were adopted. However, if racist attitudes become prevalent, particularly now that many of these young children are reaching school age. It could have an extremely detrimental effect on their sense of belonging within their families in our country. Increasingly, as our economy improves, we will be expected to give sanctuary, both political and economic, to those less fortunate than ourselves. Facing the 21st century, we will be a young dynamic democracy and I hope and pray that our young people do not view those from other parts of the world who are living among us in the extremely negative ways that have been expressed in the past couple of weeks.
Clearly, more resources are needed with processing refugees and asylum seekers to minimise the delays. The Garda will deal with those who break the law. The difficulties encountered by many people who seek refuge in other countries are great. Casual remarks can lead to stereotyping, which it could take generations to break. - Yours, etc.,
Molesworth Street,
Dublin 2.