Sir, - I enjoy enormously reading your weekly "Coping" series and in particular the article on the coeliac condition, which is becoming very prevalent in Ireland. Ireland has the highest rate of coeliac disease in the world and, in Ireland, Galway has the highest incidence of this condition.
I understand from recent correspondence that the coeliac condition/disease may affect one in 200 people in the country. It is being diagnosed much more frequently now in adults and I myself was diagnosed as a coeliac relatively recently.
I am the manager of Network Catering and a Director of DUBEL Ltd (Caterers to Iarnrod Eireann and Northern Ireland Railways Translink Ltd). I am also the chairman of the Dublin Branch of the Restaurants Association of Ireland.
I would like, through your Letters page, to advise coeliacs that the restaurant trade is becoming much more aware of the condition and I know in our own case that Brasserie na Mara, Dun Laoghaire and the Footplate Brasserie at Heuston Station cater for quite a number of coeliacs. I also intend in the very near future having a coeliac-friendly menu on our Galway/Dublin/Galway trains.
I would advise all coeliacs, however, to be vigilant at all times and to question the hotel/restaurant staff as it is necessary to be careful with ingredients. It is surprising, even having explained the position, how many times, for example, croutons slip into a soup.
I and our train catering management team and our ground catering management team would be delighted to hear by phone from anyone who may be using our services to ensure that special arrangements can be made for coeliacs where necessary. Our head office phone number is 01 703 2105 and the phone number for the head office of train catering is 01 703 2108. - Yours, etc., Tom Mythen,
Manager, Network Catering, Heuston Station, Dublin 8.