Madam, - The forthcoming visit by the president of Poland highlights the huge input of Polish people to Irish society and the need for an integration policy that removes obstacles preventing emigrants from contributing to the best of their abilities.
Newcomers from all cultures have much to offer us in all areas - culture, work, sport, etc - but there are many obstacles and some are in danger of living in linguistic and social ghettos. There is a network of Polish newspapers, magazines, shops and pubs, even dedicated churches, but very little from the Irish side to promote understanding of Irish life, culture and history.
Polish history offers a model of integration and toleration. There were no religious wars in Poland, which opened its doors to Jews when they were persecuted elsewhere in Europe. For centuries many creeds and languages existed side by side in the multiracial commonwealth.
The immigration debate called for by Enda Kenny seems to ebb and flow. We need a more consistent approach to ensure the best result for Irish and newcomers and prevent the mistrust and stereotyping of the stranger that has occurred in neighbouring countries.
We hope the visit will focus our politicians on the need for policies that will be to the best advantage of all the peoples in Ireland. - Yours, etc,
PATRICK QUIGLEY, Chairman, Irish Polish Society, Fitzwilliam Place, Dublin 2.