Sir, - Viewers of RTE1's Would You Believe programme on February 28th were shocked to find that conditions have changed little in the 12 years since the horror story of Romania's orphanages first came to light.
Focus on Romania is determined that these unfortunate children and young adults will not be forgotten, and we will continue to work to try to force the Romanian Government to improve conditions in these concentration camps.
Many viewers who contacted us said that they felt helpless and unable to change the lives of these children, but there is a way in which they can help. Irish politicians could, if they wished, move this process forward by raising the plight of these forgotten children at the Council of Ministers in Europe.
We appeal to your readers to lobby politicians at local and national level, and to ask them to sort out this problem once and for all. Romania receives massive EU adhesion funding each year - we merely want this funding to be tied to improvements in care in State institutions. Visit our website for more information or write to us at the address below. - Yours, etc.,
JOHN MULLIGAN.
Chairman,
Focus on Romania,
Kirkfield Cottages,
Clonsilla Road,
Dublin 15.
(www.focusonromania.net)