Sir, – I read the main headline on the front page of The Irish Times "First phase of children's hospital may not open on schedule" with incredulity (February 11th). If such a statement is to be considered newsworthy, may we expect your paper to be graced in the future with such revelations as "Children's hospital runs over budget" or "Children's hospital nurses face two-hour daily commute"? – Yours, etc,
EARNÁN Ó CLÉIRIGH,
Dungarvan,
Co Waterford.
A chara, – So, the long-awaited national children’s hospital might cost as much €2 billion. I don’t hear any children complaining (or wait, maybe I do).
Meanwhile, Intel is quietly planning a factory extension in Leixlip estimated to cost €7 billion.
We need to calm ourselves down. A billion ain’t what it used to be. – Yours, etc,
JIM HOLOHAN,
Stranorlar,
Co Donegal.
Sir, – Isn’t it odd that at a time when the main issue in the headlines is the cost of the new children’s hospital, and the performance of Simon Harris in that context, that the leaders of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Labour are all former ministers for health! – Yours, etc,
BRENDAN CASSERLY,
Bishopstown, Cork.
Sir, – Perhaps Leo Varadkar would consider giving Simon Harris a move to the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in his next reshuffle. A huge overspend on the arts in Ireland is long overdue. – Yours, etc,
MARIE BREEN,
Drimnagh,
Dublin 12.