Sir, – What a pity that 40 helium-filled balloons could not be released at the Dublin Castle launch of Ireland’s EU presidency on New Year’s Eve on the basis that they could end up as ” lethal marine debris” (Home News, January 4th). It is, however, a relief to know that all of the balloons had extra-long string attached and were taken home by schoolchildren involved in the launch. I trust that these balloons are being regularly monitored by the environmental police to ensure that they do not make a bid for freedom. Meanwhile, the sea turtles, dolphins, fish and seabirds will have to be content with their normal diet of dead cats, dogs and sheep, concrete blocks, plastic bottles, tins of paint, nappies and false teeth. – Yours, etc,