A German complex made simple

Sir, – I wish to compliment Derek Scally, Berlin Correspondent, on his excellent, helpful and informative articles which appeared…

Sir, – I wish to compliment Derek Scally, Berlin Correspondent, on his excellent, helpful and informative articles which appeared in The Irish Times each day during the last week of August, and in particular his article “How Germany can get us back in the game” (World News, August 31st).

As someone who experienced working with and for German companies, knowing first hand the German technical educational model, I certainly agree with the tips under the heading “clinching the deal”. And finally, may I suggest in helping to overcome the shortage of German speakers currently sought by Irish exporters that a pool of willing employed, unemployed or retired German speakers be assembled by, for example, Enterprise Ireland so that companies could hire, on perhaps a daily or weekly basis, a suitable German-speaking person for specific requirements, such as trade fairs, business meetings, etc. – Yours, etc,

MICHAEL QUIGLEY,

Abbeyfeale, Co Limerick.