Dear Editor,

I wish to associate myself with the views expressed by your correspondent Shiela Beckett regarding proposals contained in the White Paper for the setting up of special centres for children with disabilities.

The whole thrust of education in these enlightened times is towards integration of all disabled people, children or adult, regardless of whether their disability is a learning problem or a physical infirmity.

People who are institutionalised as children find it difficult, if not impossible, to integrate as adults, as is their right, into ordinary society and family life.

As the grandfather of two wonderful and lovable Down's children whose potential is limited only by our perception of it, I wish to protest most strongly against the proposal to set up ghettos for such children.

Yours,

2 Ennafort Road, Raheny, Dublin 5.