Sir, - John Waters states that it is an extraordinary reflection on this society that dogs are more likely than men to find champions and advocates.
This comes as no surprise to us in MRCS, a relationship counselling service which has dedicated the past 38 years to developing professional relationship counselling services, available to all who need them, regardless of their ability to pay and their geographical location.
As far back as 1997 we identified a real figure in the Book of Estimates which showed a marked contrast between the aid being afforded to Bord na gCon for the development of the greyhound industry, for example, and the aid given to organisations such as ours to develop essential services.
The figure for the year 2000 Estimates is as follows: grants for marriage and family counselling services - £3.75 million (a change of 74 per cent from the year 1999/2000); grant in aid to Bord na gCon for development of greyhound industry - £6.5 million (a change of 24 per cent over 1999).
The Book of Estimates is full of such stark figures which, we believe, should pave the way for real and relevant debate on our national priorities. - Yours, etc.,
Ruth Barror, Chief Executive, Marriage and Relationship Counselling Services, Grafton Street, Dublin 2.