Marie Louise O'Donnell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am a new speaking member of the Independent Seanad group, since I realised what it was to be sitting at the back of the Seanad with no voice. I could not let that go on for much longer and I am delighted to be a part of the group.

I want to make three quick points. The first is to alert Senators to "Showcase Ireland" which is something I think they probably know about. "Showcase Ireland" is a platform for all that is great in the creative arts in Ireland, in manufacturing, glass, ceramics, wool, fabric, design, silver and gold. All the products are created and designed in Ireland. Everybody should, in whatever way they can, platform them in their counties, towns and villages. To see the artists' stuff in the RDS over the past few days - and the exhibition continues until Wednesday - has been in absolute privilege. To mention one in particular, Eamonn Terry was a glass-blower in Waterford Glass, and we know what happened there, but he went out on his own. He now has Criostal na Rinne and makes beautiful stuff. I would also like to mention Jerpoint Glass, an Irish handmade glass company. These are people who are still blowing their own glass in Ireland; it is not being imported from any other country. It is apt that we look at the arts and crafts in Ireland now, especially with what is happening in Brexit, because we need to take our artists, creatives, manufacturers and designers very seriously and make sure they are well resourced.

The second thing I want to say is that Garry Hynes, Philip King, Mark Patrick Hederman and Theo Dorgan will be coming to speak to the Committee on Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht tomorrow, representing music, literature, theatre and poetry.

Could the Leader let me know when the Adoption (Information and Tracing) Bill will come into the Seanad? It was delayed before Christmas. Could he also let me know when the Children and Family Relationships (Amendment) Bill will be before the Seanad, something I asked about two months ago? Many people are in limbo awaiting this Bill. I also ask when the full commencement of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Bill will happen. I was very involved in that in the last Seanad. Could the Leader give an update on those?

I am standing up for the arts and creativity because now, more than ever, they matter. It is not just economic graft that means something. Our island is a great creator of arts, crafts and literature and we should look to it as a half saviour.