Sir, - The closure of so many multinational firms highlights once again our dependence on overseas companies to provide jobs. Again, Government Ministers will promise the workers a task force whose job it will be to try and attract another multinational. But many of the workforce have earned their last pay packet.
It is scandalous, meanwhile, that the mineral wealth which Ireland has in abundance is being exported without any thought to providing any long-term benefit to Irish people.
Ireland is one of the biggest producers of lead and zinc. It is morally wrong that this wealth which is owned by the Irish people should be exported raw, benefiting only a handful of very wealthy people. A smelter would create high-value lead and zinc products. Without a smelter we miss the opportunity to develop industries manufacturing products such as car-parts, fridges, washing machines, etc.
Ireland is much like many third-world countries, allowing our natural resources to be exported raw for the benefit of others rather than developing them for the benefit of our own people, many of whom are on the poverty line. Not only do we allow this scandal but we encourage it through a fiscal policy of very low royalties and special tax concessions.
This is a wealthy nation for some, particularly the cheque-book tycoons who currently have the wrap-up on our mineral wealth. - Yours, etc.,
Cllr NOEL COLLINS, Midleton, Co Cork.