David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I apologise for having indicated previously that I did not have something to say. I do have something to say and it relates to a matter I take very seriously indeed, namely, the coverage by the media of the proceedings of this House. A week or so ago, we had a very important debate about CETA on a motion sponsored by Senator Higgins. This led to a defeat for the Government on a very significant matter that is now being debated widely in Europe. It appears as if this agreement is in great difficulty for certain reasons, some of which were highlighted in this House. There was not a single whisper about the matter but when a Member of the Lower House referred to it in passing on the Order of Business, it was the subject of a half-page report in the newspapers. Last week, the Recognition of Irish Sign Language for the Deaf Community Bill 2016, sponsored by Senator Mark Daly, was debated in the Seanad. This is a very important matter - one of fundamental human rights. It relates to just 5,000 people and 35,000 of their family members and friends but it is a very significant matter. This Bill was passed by the House. There was not a single word about it. I ask the Leader to contact the broadcasting unit and find out what political intelligence is brought to bear on selecting topics to be broadcast. We are sometimes dismissed as a talking shop. Of course, we are. That is what the word "parliament" means - "parlement" or" talking". It is very important because we talk on behalf of the citizens of Ireland.We help to bring issues that are otherwise concealed before the public imagination.