Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

Maidir le Údarás na Gaelteachta, is toghchán daonlathach a bhí ann dar ndóigh. Caithfimid glacadh leis na torthaí; tá sé chomh simplí le sin. Ag an am chéanna, aontaím le Seanadóir Ó Riain go mb'fhéidir gur chóir díospóireacht leathan a bheith againn maidir le cursaí gaelteachta i gcoitinne.

Very soon a multi-billion euro treasure chest will be opened up to the economy. I refer to the special savings scheme, an inspired project to encourage thrift and focus people on the idea of saving what they can. More important, it rewards them generously for having done so. Young people today by and large are not focused on saving for a rainy day or for opportunities that might become available.

I am concerned that the culture of saving established by this scheme may come to a dead end. It would be well worthwhile for the Government to consider giving savers another incentive and I would like to debate some suggestions as to how that might be done.

I welcome the commission of investigation into the Dublin and Monaghan bombings, particularly the appointment of such an eminent chairman as Mr. Paddy MacEntee. It is 31 years since this terrible atrocity occurred and surviving victims and their families still do not have closure. After 31 years most people accept that many of the players and many of those who should be investigated have now died. There is only a six-month period available to the commission and none of that time should be lost. The victims and their families who have suffered so much should get full legal representation at that commission and that should be decided in a matter of days, not weeks. I compliment the Taoiseach and the Government on the establishment of this commission to investigate this terrible tragedy, which should help the families to have closure.