Madam, - The status of Irish in the EU should reflect its current status in our own eyes as well as its national and international status. What is its international status? What is known of Gaelic culture abroad? What body is responsible for developing its international profile?
A number of your correspondents refer to the indubitable antiquity of Irish. How much of this "antiquity" is known to Irish people today? How much of it is still alive and relevant? How many of your readers would agree with the philosopher George Santayana that "progress, far from consisting in change, depends on retentiveness"? - Yours, etc.
GABRIEL ROSENSTOCK, Gleann na gCaorach, Co Átha Cliath.