I join other colleagues in calling for debates on policing and a number of other issues. I also seek a debate on the Garda Reserve, to which Senator Paul Bradford alluded. I support the Garda Reserve and think it should be expanded. Its role should be increased within An Garda Síochána in the context of community policing, etc.

I fully support the concept of gender equality and that there should be positive discrimination in that regard. However, to suggest a certain percentage of plays should be by female authors is a little ridiculous. The creative arts should be based on merit, not on gender.