Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

Bhí ionadh orm nuair a chuala mé go raibh baile Gaeltachta ag iarraidh a ainm a aistriú go dtí an leagan Béarla.

I support Senator Fitzgerald's request for a debate on the report on early school leaving, which has been a matter of concern in County Wexford for some time. Some children leave the education system when they finish primary school, without going on to secondary school. It perpetuates the disadvantage which is often a feature of their backgrounds. Education needs to be a central part of any attempt to break the cycle of poverty and disadvantage. I echo Senator Fitzgerald's comments in that regard.

I would like the Leader to invite the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, rather than the Minister for Foreign Affairs, to come to the House to debate the role sport can play in bringing the people of this island closer together. We have learned in recent weeks that the Brazilian football team is to come to Croke Park next February, which is interesting. If we could field an all-Ireland team to take on the Brazilians, just as we did in the 1970s, it would be a tremendous achievement. I refer to what was called the "Shamrock Rovers XI" team that was formed on foot of an initiative led by Derek Dougan of Northern Ireland and others. The great changes we have seen on this island in recent years have resulted from the pioneering work of the Taoiseach, certain politicians in the North and others. If an all-Ireland football team could be fielded in Croke Park next year, it would be a step in the right direction. Not only would it have great symbolism, it would also be a fitting tribute to a man who espoused the idea of an all-Ireland team — the late George Best, who was probably the greatest sportsman ever produced by this island.