Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

A considerable range of topics has been covered. I join Senators in welcoming the secretary general of the Parliamentary Assembly of the OSCE. I had the privilege of formally meeting him yesterday morning, with the president of the Parliamentary Assembly and Mr. Soares from Portugal. Not only will I work with the Parliamentary Assembly during 2012 in my capacity as chairman of the OSCE, but I also intend to work and maintain close contact with the six Members of the Oireachtas in the Parliamentary Assembly.

Senator Jim Walsh raised the issue of the appointment of Mrs. Justice Catherine McGuinness as a personal representative dealing with intolerance and discrimination. She is one of three personal representatives I appointed at the beginning of the year addressing the issue of discrimination and intolerance in its various forms. She will focus on racism, xenophobia and discrimination, including against Christians. That is her brief and I am sure she will look at the situation in Egypt.

I take the opportunity to condemn the appalling events which took place at a football game in Egypt yesterday evening. I am sure Senators join me in that regard.