Before I call on Senator David Norris, I am sure Members of the House will join me in welcoming Councillor Marcia D'Alton from Cork County Council to the Visitors Gallery.

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 involve regulations. The case can be argued that two of these items should be taken without debate. On No. 1, a report from the Committee on Procedure and Privileges on the amendment of the Standing Orders of this House, surely amendment of the Standing Orders of this House is a matter that should be discussed by all Members of this House, not only by the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, of which I have the honour to be a member. 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 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 guillotining of the debate on that Bill, as outlined in the Order of Business, distasteful and object to it.

Whatever the views of the Deputy Leader on the first two issues I have raised, I am sure she will agree with my position on the axing of the "Gloria" programme, which airs on Sundays. I take the liberty of saying I believe she will agree with me because I have been contacted by a Professor David McConnell, fellow emeritus Trinity College Dublin, who is greatly concerned about the axing of this programme and mentioned to me that the Deputy Leader 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" was 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 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 mediaeval to baroque and classical music. Some 4,000 people have signed a petition to have Lyric FM 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:

Gloria is, 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".

Is the Senator seeking a debate on the matter?

Yes, I am, if that is the only way I can raise it in the House. However, I am not expecting a debate on it. In terms of popularity, a large number of people listen to this programme on Sunday mornings, unlike the programme about modern music, which is an hour or two of unmerciful, thumps, bangs, whistles, squelches, belches and God Almighty knows what. I switch it off every time it comes to this thing about modern music. Let us have some respect for the graceful traditions of Christian Europe.