Sir, - I would like to congratulate the McColgan family for their perseverance and commitment in bringing their fight for justice through the courts. The outcome will now allow them to close this chapter in their lives - not forget it, but close it and look to the future with the past now openly behind them.I find it ironic that the taxpayer foots the bill to house the perpetrator of the crime and funds a settlement that could have been avoided many years ago. When will we as a nation truly begin to respect and protect our children - or will we continue to pay the price? - Yours, etc.,Sean Connaughton,Parklands Cresent,Maynooth,Kildare.