David Norris (Independent)

I am struck with admiration for Senator O'Reilly's fluent Irish with its Cavan blas. I did not realise he had it but it is lovely to hear. I will not hazard it this evening, although I have spoken Irish here in the past. It is, in its own way, something dear to my heart.

I rise to formally second the number of amendments in the name of Senator Joe O'Toole. It is notable that a number of them have "including" as the first word. They make the Bill more inclusive of the Irish language and the Irish-speaking community.

I hope the Minister of State will be able to accept amendment No. a83a, which seeks to add "including programmes in the Irish language and programmes pertaining to Irish Culture." I cannot see what could possibly be against including that provision. There may be some technical reason. The amendments also provide for including the Gaeltacht and the Irish language community.

It may be that the Minister assumes that in the word "public"——