An unheeded prophet

Rehabilitation

Sir, – With reference to Bishop Kevin Doran’s article “A child cannot be reformed by lock and key and bars” (Rite & Reason, July 31st), on the visit to Ireland in 1946 of Fr Edward Flanagan, Irish-born founder of the US Boys Town homes, and his criticism of the Irish juvenile detention system, which was not well received in the Dáil, it should be noted that Sean Brady (Fianna Fáil, Dún Laoghaire and Rathdown) was the only TD who spoke out in favour of listening to Fr Edward Flanagan’s insight and experience.

A prophet is never listened to in his own country!

JOAN HUTCHINSON,

Dublin 14.