Rónán Mullen (Independent)

I support the comments made by Senators Darragh O'Brien and Moloney. Senator Darragh O'Brien beat me to the punch because I clearly recall our previous discussions on this issue. Senator Quinn and I have met representatives of the modern languages in primary school project. It is astounding that the Government could be so penny wise and pound foolish as to cut funding for this important project. It is a matter on which we should express our disquiet to the Minister for Education and Skills and I hope the cuts will be reversed.

I support what Senator Bacik has said about the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Shortall, and her laudable ambition to introduce changes to the law governing sponsorship of sporting events and concerts by alcohol companies. Perhaps we can ask the Taoiseach in due course whether the matter will be discussed in Cabinet before the end of this term. I have not heard any reason why it should not be discussed and the Government should signal its firm purpose in this regard.

There is considerable speculation about British people being invited to Ireland to escape the madness of the Olympic Games. However, certain Irish people will not be coming home because they are in a vulnerable position and are being supported by various bodies in England.

I have heard recently from the Southwark Irish Pensioners Project which involves an outreach by Anglo-Irish seniors who give of their time to accompany Irish people, some of whom are in their 70s up to late 80s and may not have that long to live. That project having lost funding from the London Borough Council is very concerned about whether it will lose funding from the Irish State in due course. That insecurity, particularly in the lives of some vulnerable older people, is something with which they should not have to put up. I hope that in all the hard decisions that have to be made people such as those involved in the Southwark Irish Pensioners Project will not be forgotten and that the small amount of funding which is given in order that people can bring joy and support into their lives will not be cut back in due course.