Joe O'Toole (Independent)

That is one of the big difficulties with the issue – it means separate things to everybody. A debate would be very useful. I have called many times for a debate on this issue and I support Senator Brian Hayes, but I would like us all to be talking about the same thing.

Cúpla seachtain ó shin chuir muid Bille na dTeangacha Oifigiúla fríd an Teach seo to give rights to people from the Gaeltacht and to Irish speakers. Bhí grúpa anseo inné ó Chorca Dhuibhne, from Ventry national school. The school is losing a teacher, but if it was a Gaelscoil in the Galltacht it would retain that teacher. I would like somebody to come here to explain this injustice and discrimination against Gaeltacht people. Sin é díreach an rud a bhí idir láimhe agam ag cur i gcoinne a lán rudaí sa Bhille sin. It is utterly unfair on Gaeltacht people. Every time we take a decision on the Irish language it discriminates in some way against them. That is completely wrong. I ask that the Minister come in and explain to ordinary people why people in the Gaeltacht are getting less support to run their schools and develop the Irish language than people in the Galltacht.

When I came here 16 years ago, certain conventions and rules were made very clear to all of us. This is not a cheap shot but a matter of some importance. One of these conventions was that we do not make reference in the House to people's absence, and we certainly do not make references publicly, in either House, about what goes on in the Members' bar. It is absolutely outrageous for people to make references such as this in the House. I do not know the reasons behind it or why the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform was in the Members' bar, although I did listen to his explanation. I have argued many times that Ministers should come in to deal with Adjournment matters in both Houses, but incidents such as this are just not acceptable.

I ask you, a Leas-Chathaoirligh, to use your good offices to raise this with your counterpart in the other House. It is a breach of trust and is unacceptable to me. I know that people outside the House will say that we have a nice cosy little club, but people have to have their space.