Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)

The setting up of a constitutional convention is a wise and sensible move by the Government, and discussion of Seanad reform should form part of this. Before there is any referendum on the existence of this House - one of the houses of democracy in this country - there needs to be a thorough study and consultation with the people of Ireland about what that means.

I do not need to vote on it today but I call on the Leader to provide time for a debate in the future.

In ten days' time the Volvo Ocean Race will commence in Galway. This is Ireland's Olympic Games. It is the third largest event in Europe this year, after the Olympic Games in London and Euro 2012. It is more than a major sporting event, however, because for the first time Galway will host a global trade village featuring the nine countries in which the race has stopped. I ask the Leader to use his good office to persuade the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Bruton, and Enterprise Ireland companies to support this event. The closing ceremony alone will cost the Let's Do It Global group €100,000. It is to the credit of the Minister for Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht Affairs that he is contributing €20,000 to a philanthropy scheme which requires Galway to come up with €5 for every €1 he contributes. We are still €80,000 short, however, and this is an opportunity for Enterprise Ireland companies to showcase their products to the world. Approximately 500 media outlets will be covering the event and one third will come from China. Our biggest markets will be there, as will emerging markets such as Brazil and China. We will be on show from coast to coast in the United States and the US embassy will be hosting an event on 4 July. I want Enterprise Ireland companies to step up to the plate with contributions in order to realise the value of brand recognition and show casing our strengths to the rest of the world. I have spoken with the Minister, Deputy Bruton, on the issue and I ask the Leader to seek his support.