David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I join in the Cathaoirleach's welcome to the distinguished councillor. Earlier this morning some of my colleagues and I had a meeting with representatives of the Cork Institute of Technology, which is concerned about the Government's proposals for legislation in this area.

I am concerned that today there are three items to be taken without debate, two of which are regulations. I suppose the case can be argued that two of those items should be taken without debate. On, No. 1, which is a report from the Committee on Procedure and Privileges on the amendment of Standing Orders for this House, surely amendment of Standing Orders of this House is a matter that should be discussed by all Members of this House and not only by the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, of which I have the honour to be a member. I believe this is a matter in which every Member of this House should have a say. I am seeking an amendment of the Order of Business to the effect that No. 1 be taken with discussion, which discussion should commence with a statement from the Government side on what is involved in terms of the proposed changes to procedures and privileges. Also, while we will probably get through the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill 2015 by 5.30 p.m. I find the proposed guillotine on that Bill, outlined on the Order of Business, distasteful and I object to it.

Whatever the views of the Deputy Leader in terms of the first two issues I have raised, I am sure she will agree with my position in regard to the axing of the "Gloria" programme, which airs on Sundays. I take the liberty of saying that I believe she will agree with me on this because I have been contacted by a Professor David McConnell, fellow emeritus Trinity College, who is greatly concerned about the axing of this programme and mentioned to me that Senator Bacik might also have an interest in it. I regularly listen to "Gloria".It is a wonderful programme presented by Tim Thurston, a gentleman with a lovely broadcasting voice and an extensive knowledge of remote areas of religious music. Professor McConnell, who I think is publicly acknowledged as quite the campaigning atheist, pointed out in his letter to me that "Gloria" is a celebration of the sacred music of Europe, the origin of all classical music in our tradition, which is interesting. He also states in his letter that it is one of the finest programmes he has ever had to pleasure to listen to. I agree with him. The presenter, Tim Thurston, plays music by people such as Hildegard von Bingen, which many listeners might previously have not heard. He has introduced me to a range of music from the medieval to baroque and classical music. Some 4,000 people have signed a petition to have Lyric reverse its decision to axe the programme. Attached to Professor McConnell's letter to me was a letter was from a Mr. Keogan to The Irish Times, from which I would like to quote one paragraph: It states:

Gloriais, however, about much more than just choral music; it is about excellence in broadcasting; about challenging the listener to expand his or her interest to far beyond the popular classics; in short, it is what public service broadcasting should be. Is this the issue?

If it is a question of popularity, I think there is a wide audience for "Gloria".