Madam, - Dan O'Brien (Opinion & Analysis, January 10th) typifies the Panglossian approach of many right-wing commentators on the "displacement" issue.
He asserts that, with adequate enforcement of existing laws, "there is no logical reason whatever to suggest that immigration need erode standards". Really? What of the simple laws of supply and demand, usually held dear by the Economist? Ultimately, if enough unskilled labour comes to Ireland, wages for unskilled work will fall. While one might hope that controlling numbers will not be necessary, the possibility does exist of large inflows of labour contributing to the problems of low pay and associated poverty.
Mr O'Brien is not the only commentator to suggest that simply enforcing existing laws will be enough to protect employment standards. Existing legal minimums, however, are nothing more than that - bare minimums. The minimum wage, in particular, can hardly be held up as offering a decent standard of living.
Moreover, there are multiple gaps in Irish law, particularly the exclusion of the self-employed from any legal protections. Hence the large number of false "self-employed", particularly in construction, as shown by recent statements from the Revenue Commissioners.
The Gama and Irish Ferries scandals were not figments of the imagination. A serious debate on concrete proposals to address displacement is long overdue. - Yours, etc,
DAVID O'BRIEN, Rossnaree, Beauparc, Co Meath.