David Cullinane (Sinn Fein)

The point I am making is that I do not doubt the integrity of what he says. However, that is neither here nor there with regard to these amendments. The amendments we are discussing here seek to provide clarity for all of us. As the Minister of State knows, this Bill has implications for Foras na Gaeilge. It is integral to the working of that body, which is all-Ireland in its architecture, nature and work. Therefore, it makes sense that when the Bill speaks of "the Minister" and when we have an island with two different jurisdictions - whether we like that or not - and where we have two Ministers with responsibility for the language, North and South, we clarify which Minister we mean. Part of the Bill has implications for what is an all-island organisation. All amendment No. 2 seeks to do is to ensure that when we talk about "the Minister", we mean in this State. The other amendment, No. 3, seeks to clarify that when the Bill speaks of " the Minister in the North" it means the Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure in the Northern Assembly. That is all these amendments seek to do. There is no hidden agenda. It is simple, they seek to provide clarity.

Senator D'Arcy raised concerns with regard to the number of amendments tabled on this Bill. That is outrageous. Senators are entitled to table as many amendments as they think necessary. I remind the Senator that many Irish language organisations have lobbied all of us, parties and individuals, on their genuine concerns and issues. While there is much in this Bill that they and we support, there is much about which we have concerns and do not support. In that case, this is the forum in which to table amendments and tease out the issues. It is irrelevant to me whether we have ten or 3,000 amendments.