Sir, – The recent floods are a national disaster, bringing with them a new period of austerity. A new national disaster tax should replace the USC. All the citizens should bear the burden currently being carried by the minority. The State should not be interfering in private enterprise regarding the insurance companies, either by using them as an instrument for collecting levies or otherwise. This is a matter for the State. – Yours, etc,
FW PEARD,
Lucan,
Co Dublin.