Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)

Ba mhaith liom tacú leis an méid atá ráite ag an Seanadóir Barrett maidir le Bille na Gaeltachta. Tugaim faoi deara go bhfuil sceideal na seachtaine seo chugainn curtha amach agus gur luadh ansin go mbeimid ag plé Chéim na Tuarascála agus Céim dheireanach den Bhille Dé Chéadaoin. An dtabharfaidh an Ceannaire soiléiriú an gciallaíonn sin go bhfuil críoch á chur le Céim an Choiste inniu?

It could be misconstrued from the Leader's statement that we were, in terms of our discussion around "may" and "shall" in relation to the Gaeltacht Bill, debating semantics. However, as will be evident from the transcripts there was a wide ranging debate, in which the Minister also engaged, on the fundamental issues of this Bill, for which we have been waiting 56 years. This legislation will have a fundamental affect on life in the Gaeltacht and on the Irish language and institutions and is connected to the Government's 20 year strategy for the Irish language, which was agreed across all parties. It introduces fundamental changes in all of these areas.

I note from the schedule issued this morning that we will debate Report and Final Stages of the Bill next Wednesday. Perhaps the Leader will clarify if this means the Committee Stage debate today is to be guillotined, which would be a retrograde step. We often complain about the lack of coverage of Seanad debates on Bills.

I wish to make it known to the House that the Gaeltacht Bill and our debates have been receiving extensive coverage on all Irish language media in recent weeks. Every morning, the debates have been covered with panels discussing what has been debated and considering whether the issues are relevant. I am not saying they agree with either side but they are certainly giving it coverage and the Irish language community and Gaeltacht people are very engaged with the debate. In comparison to other Bills eight hours might seem a long time, but we have been waiting for the Bill for 56 years. The Minister has stated he wants to get it right and we need to get it right. Although it might seem an inordinate amount of time it is not in the context of what we are debating.

I note we are not sitting tomorrow but that we will sit next Friday and the following Friday. I would have no issue with us coming in tomorrow, if necessary, to debate Committee Stage if required to get this right. Serious issues are being raised and not only by Senators. They are also being raised by people outside of the House. I implore the Leader to clarify this and ensure we have full time to debate all of the issues and amendments that need to be debated fully and completely before the Bill moves to the next Stage.