Ivor Callely (Fianna Fail)

As previous speakers noted, today marks the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is fitting that we should acknowledge its success. It was drawn up in 1948 and has proved to be the inspiration for rights movements across the globe. There is no doubt that human rights-based approaches make rights real for people. Will the Leader arrange, whenever possible, for an audit to take place with regard to Ireland's success in the area of human rights and the issues that need to be addressed? I record my appreciation for and solidarity with groups such as Amnesty International and Front Line, the organisation for the protection of human rights defenders. I congratulate those in the media, particularly Seán Love, Roddy Doyle and Gerry Smith, whose work appeared in the excellent publication that accompanied yesterday's edition of The Irish Times.

I support Senator Mary White's comments on the issue of ageism. I have made a number of public pronouncements on the matter over an extended period. If we engage in a debate on the matter, we might consider issues such as the dignity of older people and the various rights to which they are entitled.

I listened with interest to Senator McCarthy's comments on the Asgard. I support his views on the importance of the vessel in training people to sail. Like many thousands of individuals, two of my children trained on the Asgard and had a wonderful experience. I understand it is the desire and intention of the Minister for Defence to raise the Asgard. However, it will be necessary to await the arrival of suitable weather in the Bay of Biscay before an appropriate survey can be carried out to ensure the vessel can be raised in a safe manner and that value can be obtained for the taxpayer's money in this regard.