Ban on 'magic' mushrooms

Madam, - While I agree with Morgan Fullam (February 3rd) that Mary Harney should tackle urgently all the issues he has mentioned…

Madam, - While I agree with Morgan Fullam (February 3rd) that Mary Harney should tackle urgently all the issues he has mentioned, I must take issue with his notion that her time would be better served dealing with his issues rather than the petition of one family about magic mushrooms.

Every life is precious and none can have a higher priority or value than another. However it is incumbent on any Government to act straight away when an anomaly in law that I believe doesn't exist anywhere else in Europe - where a product is being sold legally which can make a person inflict serious harm on himself, or even death as in this sad case.

Not only is Ms Harney to be congratulated in this instance for her promptness and sensitivity - the family of the late young man should be for their selflessness and good citizenship at a time of great hardship. Perhaps Mr Fullam and the rest of us could learn a lesson. - Yours, etc,

NICK CRAWFORD, Rockfort Avenue, Dalkey, Co Dublin.