Madam, - Irish overseas development NGOs share some of Ann Marie Hourihane's misgivings about the dangers of "freelance philanthropy" ("Charity as an orgy of selfishness", Opinion, February 14th).
Although Ireland has a proud tradition of helping the victims of poverty, inequality and disasters around the world, not all offers of assistance, or types of help offered, are equally useful - no matter how well-intentioned.
The members of Dóchas have ample experience of being given bales of clothing, children's toys or household medicines (past their expiry dates), when it is food and shelter that is normally required in the aftermath of emergencies. Aid agencies often face unnecessary costs in disposing of goods that are not needed, or unsuitable for sending overseas, and for which they don't have another uses. Worse, many of the relief items required are often available locally, with the benefit of being cheaper and generating employment close to the disaster zone.
In an effort to avoid frustrated intentions, Ireland's aid agencies have developed a website - www.HowYouCanHelp.ie/ - offering suggestions on how people can help effectively in emergency situations. The site offers practical suggestions on what to do and what not to do when disasters strike overseas, and explains the rationale behind offering principled, appropriate and cost-effective aid.
The public will continue to have a vital role to play in supporting Irish and international efforts to respond to emergencies. Doing so sensitively and appropriately, as Ms Hourihane suggests, is surely the best way to go. - Yours, etc,
HANS ZOMER, Director, Dóchas Dublin 2.