Rónán Mullen (Independent)

I also congratulate Alan Kelly on what was a magnificent achievement. I know, from hearing him in this House, that he has the talent, ability and commitment to make an excellent contribution in the European Parliament and I wish him well. I was sorry that other colleagues did not succeed in their endeavours but I do not doubt they will enjoy success at a future date. I also note that in common with many others, I felt disappointment when Kathy Sinnott did not make it back to the European Parliament. She has been a distinctive and compassionate voice and I am sure her future participation as a representative politician is not far away.

Aontaím go huile agus go hiomlán leis an Seanadóir O'Toole faoin méid atá ráite aige faoi Foinse. Beatha teanga í a labhairt agus tá sé rí-thábhactach do thodhcaí na teanga Gaeilge sa tír seo go mbeadh cúiteamh faoi chúrsaí reatha idir craolacháin agus cló. Tá sé an-tábhachtach don saol intleachtúil na Gaeilge sa tír seo go mbeadh nuachtán seachtainiúil ar fáil ar a laghad. I mo thuairim, ba chóir go ndéanfadh an Rialtais an beart caoi agus tacaíocht a thabhairt ionas go mbeidh nuachtán Gaeilge seachtainiúil againn amach anseo. It is vital for the intellectual future of this country that discussion of current affairs in the Irish language is carried out in both the broadcast and print media and a weekly newspaper is an essential part thereof.

I hope the Leader will consider supporting the Private Members' motion I intend to table tomorrow on human trafficking. It is clear that despite the human trafficking legislation enacted last year, there still are problems in the manner in which victims of human trafficking are being treated with particular regard to their exploitation in the sex industry. While there is a range of issues, it appears as though victims of trafficking are being treated as an immigration problem. A number of measures must be taken, from mandating a focus from the organised crime side within the Garda Síochána to criminalising the purchase of sexual services. I hope the Government will take this issue seriously, starting with support for this motion tomorrow.