Madam, - Each time I hear a politician talk about "third world" conditions in Irish hospitals,I dream of a chance of referring them to a sub-Saharan centre of medical excellence, open to all the population. While I acknowledging that waiting lists are outrageously long, A&E units overcrowded, nurses and doctors overworked and money wasted hourly, I really do not consider Ireland in dire need of Médecin Sans Frontières just yet.
If politicians feel they require advice from the third world, should they really squander more money on first-world economists with their studies and reports? Perhaps John O'Shea of GOAL should be the person to ask for advice in future. - Yours etc.,
Dr NICK BUGGLE, Ferrybank, Arklow, Co Wicklow.