European Standards

Sir, - While the party bandwagons are busily touting for European and local votes, perhaps we should collectively demand some European facilities for Irish citizens. The State should be providing fundamental requirements for the welfare and development of its children and its future. Other European States have. Why must communities tolerate:

no provision for pre-school state education;

a "pay as you are ill" health care system for children;

localities without a swimming pool and play facilities;

woefully inadequate public transport?

We need progress on these issues which affect us all. We need it now. - Yours, etc. Ruth Davenport,

Brookfield Park, Rush, Co Dublin.