Language tests for new citizens

Sir, – Peadar Tóibín, with his headline alone, won the debate with Neil Bruton on whether new citizens should be subject to a language test (“Should new citizens have to pass a language test?”, Opinion, September 1st). The very fact that Ireland is the only country in the EU that doesn’t apply some test speaks for itself.

In the referendum of 2004, Irish voters overwhelmingly approved the 27th Amendment to the Constitution, which limited citizenship of those born in Ireland to children with at least one Irish parent. 79 per cent voted in favour, and 21 per cent against.

This showed the value the electorate placed on citizenship. If there is doubt about Department of Justice proposals, why not hold a referendum on them and let the people again decide on such an important issue? – Yours, etc,

BERNIE CRONIN,

Clondalkin.