Sir, – Diarmaid Ferriter ("Last chance to get your certificate of Irish heritage", Opinion & Analysis, August 22nd) writes with barely concealed glee about the demise of the certificate of Irish heritage scheme promoted by consecutive governments.
The scheme has proven to be a failure. Yet it was a reasonable attempt to engage with the Irish diaspora while generating badly needed revenue. I just cannot see why so many claim such two-pronged efforts are inherently wrong or, as Prof Ferriter writes, “crass,” “embarrassing” and “tacky.”
There is absolutely nothing wrong with promoting the sense of Irishness that tens of millions around the world are entitled to celebrate. – Yours, etc,
LARRY DONNELLY,
School of Law,
NUI Galway.
A chara, – Diarmaid Ferriter is premature in reflecting on the demise of certificates of Irish heritage – for which no ancestral connection was required, just a valid credit card. They have been rebadged as €100 water conservation grants, but without the credit card stipulation. – Is mise,
WALTER GOE,
Rathgar,
Dublin 6.