Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister of State and his senior official to the House. I thank him for introducing the Bill, which removes uncertainty. I look forward to the contribution of Senator Norris. The legislation should be entitled the James Joyce Bill, although it refers to all artists. However, 2004 is the centenary of Bloomsday, which will be celebrated in Ireland and throughout the world. Senator Norris has made a major contribution in terms of bringing the works of James Joyce to a wider audience and a significant industry has evolved.

I met Stephen Joyce, the grandson of James Joyce, in the Irish Embassy in Paris in 1982 when I launched the Joyce stamp. The stamp was controversial but beautiful and I hope to obtain a copy for my learned colleague some time. Concerns were expressed by Joyce's family regarding alleged exploitation of the great man in the exposition and publication of his works. The National Library is mounting a major exhibition and it would be regrettable, from an economic point of view, if there was litigation in this regard, particularly this year. I am delighted the Minister of State has foreseen the possibility.

Joyce's work refers to Dublin, Mullingar and Galway. Jack McCarthy III wrote a book and made a film about Joyce. His work on Joyce will also be covered by the legislation. Joyce's writings have been extremely beneficial to the State. I visited Japan when I was a Minister of State. Japanese people were more knowledgeable about James Joyce than the vast majority of Irish people.

I look forward to the contribution of Senator Norris as it provides him with an opportunity to recite some works of Joyce.