Madam, – Maurice Neligan (HEALTHplus, January 6th) asks if the Department of Health and Children has “a function other than singing carols at Christmas?” As a member of the Department’s choir, I would like to take issue with his remark.
The choir members practice in their own time in the weeks leading up to Christmas each year. The choir normally gives two performances, one at the annual Mass for retired and deceased colleagues and the other to raise money for a local charity. In December the choir was delighted to accept an invitation to give a performance in Government Buildings.
Mr Neligan is entitled freely to express his opinions on the health services and on the respective roles of the various individuals and organisations charged with responsibility for organising and delivering healthcare.
However, making cynical comments about members of staff at the Department of Health and Children who voluntarily give of their time for charitable purposes is akin to tabloid journalism, rather than the informed and balanced opinion that one would expect from the so-called paper of record. – Yours, etc,