Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will obtain information for the Senator on that. I agree completely that the arts and creativity are integral to who we are. Earlier, the Oscar nominations were announced and we can all see the success of the Irish in the arts. The Senator is right to ask that we consider this matter. The Joint Committee on Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht is debating it this week but I would be happy to have a significant debate on the arts, the arts community and our culture and on how they can be part of a new, modern Ireland emerging from the shadow of recession. I would be happy to have that debate and I commend the Senator for that.

I do not have the answer for Senator Conway-Walsh regarding Údarás Na Gaeltachta and the vacant units in Mayo. Perhaps she might raise that through a Commencement debate. In his contribution, Senator Dolan raised the issue of history. As Members will know, the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy McHugh, has set up a review on the teaching of history as an optional subject. That is to be completed by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, NCCA, in the coming weeks and we will have a debate in the House when it is complete.

I do not have information to hand on the health issues that Senator Bacik raised, but I would be happy to liaise with her about that. I join Senator Byrne in congratulating all the schools involved in the debate today and I thank them for their work.

Senator Boyhan raised the issue of Bethany Home, as did Senator Norris. The Government has today given a 12-month extension to the mother and baby homes commission of investigation. The fourth interim report has been published today. In regard to Bethany Home the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Zappone, has said that she will wait until she has received the final reports before making any decision. I note the comments of Senators Boyhan and Norris and the commission. We will have a debate in the House on the matter that Senator Boyhan has raised on 6 February.

Senator Hopkins raised the issue of the N5 project, a very important one for providing a gateway to the west. Perhaps a Commencement matter might be a more expeditious way of getting an answer. I do not have the answer to hand regarding the project. I answered Senator Devine on the nurses' strike.

In response to Senator Higgins, perhaps we need to have a reflective look at what happened yesterday and some of the contribution she made this afternoon and have a series of rolling debates, as Senator Marie-Louise O'Donnell said. That would be of assistance to us all and I would be happy to talk to Senator Higgins about that.

Senator Reilly raised the issue of St. Finian's community college in Swords. Perhaps raising the issue as a Commencement matter would be a better way of getting a reply. Senator Norris raised a number of issues, in particular regarding Egyptian television. We should all stand with and send a message of support to that person. The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade needs to communicate quite clearly to the Egyptian Government our displeasure at the jailing of any person for interviewing people in a manner that allows differing viewpoints to be brought to television and media. We should all condemn the incarceration of someone for interviewing a gay person. I hope the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade will send a message to the Egyptian authorities on that issue.

On the issue of passports, having the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade come to the House for a Commencement matter is perhaps a better way for Senator Murnane O'Connor to get a reply. I do not have the information she mentioned.

Senators Feighan and Ó Céidigh raised the issue of the centenary and the appointment of the first Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy George Noble Plunkett, 100 years ago today. Senator Warfield raised a very pertinent point in advance of the RTÉ "Prime Time" programme tonight. We need to send a very strong message of support and solidarity to our trans community, which is very marginalised and needs support. We need people to understand and to be educated properly, not in a sensational way. I hope that tonight's programme is educational, informative and factual. As the Senator quite rightly said, we should all reject transphobia. We should all work to ensure that we bring people on a journey and inform them. There are members of our community who are feeling vulnerable, isolated, rejected and completely unheard. I hope that tonight and from now on we can stand together and have that debate and a movement of equality and inclusivity. I would be happy to have a debate in the House following tonight's programme. I thank the Senator for making that remark. As the national broadcaster it is important that RTÉ informs in a way that is not sensational or derogatory and ensures equality and respect for all people and all citizens.

Senator Paddy Burke raised the issue of retail, and having the Minister come before the House. I would be happy to do that. The issue of Brexit was mentioned by a number of Members, in particular by Senator Ardagh. We will have a debate on Brexit this evening and rather than give a substantial reply to Members now, we can have that debate when the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade is in the House later.

I proposed that at the end of the Order of Business we would stand for a minute's silence in memory of our late colleague and former Seanadóir, Mark Killalea.