Sir, – Despite the wholly unacceptable circumstances in which Josef Pavelka died on the streets of Ennis, it is only right that Judge Patrick Durcan should speak up in court and highlight for us the disturbing nature in which this unfortunate man lost his life (Home News, May 9th). There is no doubt that Mr Pavelka was shown compassion and care by many of the officials that he encountered in his wretched existence. Particular praise must be paid to Insp Tom Kennedy, the man’s solicitor, and the parish priest of Ennis.
This story should remind each and every one of us of our social responsibilities to the less well off, the homeless and in particular those people in our society who are forced out onto the streets to sleep rough. Rough sleepers are more likely to die premature deaths, they are more likely to resort to self-harm and are more likely to end up taking their own lives. The churches in particular must do more on a structured and planned basis for the homeless.
The powerful words of Judge Durcan should be repeated loud and clear for all of us to hear and contemplate how we deal with the Josef Pavelkas of this world. – Yours, etc,
EDMUND J
McCULLOUGH,
Drumaness,
Ballynahinch, Co Down.