Madam, - I do not always agree with Kevin Myers, but his Irishman's Diary of August 20th about the removal of dead children's organs was, at last, the voice of common sense. Of course, to lose a child is every parent's nightmare. However, holding any more inquiries on the subject will not bring these children back. What we need are regulations that require parental permission for such procedures.
I do not believe that any hospital retained organs for any reason other than to help children with growth problems. Wouldn't we all do that if we had the choice?
I think this matter should be laid to rest now, before it gets totally out of hand. Who would ask these parents to go through another bereavement? The Government should pass legislation quickly so that this situation cannot arise in the future. These much loved children should be allowed to rest in peace. - Yours, etc.,
ELLEN DAVERN,
Main Street,
Cashel,
Co Tipperary
Madam, - I have been following the protests against organ retention from deceased children with some amazement. What remains after death is the soul, spirit, character, personality - call it what you will. This can never be damaged by scalpel or forceps.
If tissue or organs remain which can benefit some living person, that should be a source of comfort and positive consolation. How anyone could want to rake over a past tragedy and continue to feed on grief is quite beyond me.
And yes, I do know what I am talking about. Some years ago my eldest son died aged 27 years, and if someone else gained thereby - great! - Yours, etc.,
MADELEINE BECKETT,
Kilquade,
Co Wicklow.
Madam, - In his Irishman's Diary of August 20th Kevin Myers set out his views on the controversy over the removal of children's glands. Referring to the deaths of children, he writes of "the theft of life from those who have never sampled it fully, while old people's homes are full of wailing relics who have experienced life to excess and want nothing better than for it to end".
Sadly, my dear wife has been in institutional care for over five years, prior to which I had the privilege of looking after her. By his remarks Mr Myers offers me the gravest insult and offence. I am sure there are many families who feel as I do.
The really worrying aspect is the standard of editorial control which permits such unfeeling material to be published. The least that I expect is an apology from you and Mr Myers.
As a reader of your paper for over 50 years I am saddened that my first letter to you has to be written out of a sense of hurt and indeed anger. - Yours, etc.,
BRENDAN EGAN,
Evora Park,
Howth,
Co Dublin.