Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)

There is an extraordinary interest in James Joyce all over the world, and it is also extraordinary that an Irishman, a Dublin man, could have such an influence right across the world. The ending of copyright restrictions will provide a significant opportunity. We should discuss how to maximise that opportunity next year. I was delighted that this year, all over the city and also in Dún Laoghaire, Blackrock and elsewhere, this event is being used to generate local enthusiasm. I refer to a very fine event held in Dún Laoghaire. People dressed in period costume and it created a great buzz, so to speak. I know a certain actor for many years and he was performing in front of the museum. I have met him on the street on Bloomsday in the past when people dismissed his performance as being a nuisance. That attitude has changed now. This year, people were engaging with him, listening to him and enjoying what he was saying. He can see the change in attitude over the years. Dubliners now regard James Joyce in a different light. Ulysses in translation by a performer is very different from Ulysses as reading material.