A chara, - Further to the article by Miriam Donohue in your edition of May 19th, "Yao ye and her tiny companions leave China for medical care here", the Cleft Lip and Palate Association of Ireland welcomes the arrival of these four tiny children. They will be in the excellent hands of the medical professionals here in Ireland, and will receive care of the highest standard. The Ashling Project deserves great praise for this initiative.
We are, however, concerned at the use of the term "hare lip" to describe the condition suffered by one of these children. Current medical terminology refers to this condition as a "cleft lip", and we would expect this to be the term used by your reporters/editors.
One in 800 children born in this country suffer from this condition. It may present many challenges to patients and their families. Surely the least one can expect is accurate use of language in the paper of record.
This organisation offers a support and information service for those affected by cleft lip and palate and their families. We can be contacted at the address below. Our website address is www.Cleft.ie. - Is mise,
Ruairi O Dulaing, Chairman, Cleft Lip & Palate Association of Ireland, Summerfield Rise, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15.