Madam, - It was interesting to read the letter of Diarmaid Ferriter on the reasons Irish authors publish abroad (October 22nd) in the context of the opinion piece by Ciaran Cosgrove, published on the same day, on the "new order" in third-level education.
The latter ponders how "economically unproductive areas of third level will survive" since they do not "contribute a damn euro to the national economy".
The preference of young academic historians in Ireland to publish their work with foreign publishers because of the better-paid advances clearly illustrates an economic potential certainly for this branch of the humanities.
It strikes me that maybe there is a role for Enterprise Ireland (the State agency responsible for development of indigenous industry) to encourage and build up the Irish academic publishing base so that it is in a position to compete with its international counterparts for the works of our young historians: offer increased advances, encouraging more publication with Irish publishers, more employment and a greater economic return for the country.
That would lead to a definite positive contribution of at least one area of humanities research to the economy.
- Yours, etc.,
DAMIEN ARRIGAN, West Avenue, Park Gate, Frankfield, Cork.