Sir, – Congratulations to Dr Michael Thai Trung King on obtaining his PhD from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (Carl O'Brien, "My father wanted me to do the best I can", Front Page, November 6th).
Your letter writer from 1981 regarding Vietnamese refugees asked, “will they contribute anything to the Irish economy?”
Our health system is staffed by doctors, nurses, and others from countries all over the world, in particular Pakistan, the Philippines and Malaysia.
Not only would our health service crumble without them, they contribute to a cultural mix that helps (despite other pressures) to make the health service an enjoyable place in which to work.
These are people who often do not get the recognition, nor the appreciation, that they deserve.
And the reaction by some to the suggestion that Ireland take more refugees from Syria suggests that attitudes have not changed much since 1981.
So to answer your letter writer, these people Ireland is fortunate to have received have contributed enormously to our health service, our economy and our culture. We are lucky to have them, and long may they continue to call Ireland home. – Yours, etc,
Dr EOIN KELLEHER,
Rathfarnham,
Dublin 14.