Madam, - I wish to comment on two important issues that have arisen in your columns recently.
1. The economics of coffee charges at the Heritage Hotel, Portlaoise (Stephen O'Byrnes's complaint of August 12th) must be viewed in the light of the hotel's enlightened policy of providing The Irish Times free of charge.
2. On the question of national policy on free drinking water in airports (Brian Dooley, September 1st), it should be noted that in the sub-Dublin-Airport environment of the Shannon arrivals hall, there is an American-style water fountain that works. Figure that one out. - Yours, etc,
MICHAEL J. BERGIN, Monasterevan, Co Kildare.