Today is Bloomsday. I note that Senator David Norris, a great Joycean scholar, has left the Chamber. I add my voice to that of Senator Alice-Mary Higgins on the status of the arts in Ireland, particularly with their perceived, if not real, downgrading from a Department structure perspective. There is the lack of a Minister of State with responsibility for the arts. One of the Taoiseach's nominees to this House five years ago, former Senator Fiach Mac Conghail, director of the Abbey Theatre, added greatly to the debate on the cultural importance of the arts sector to social and political life.

That is also an omission. Will the Leader invite the Minister to come to the House to discuss the issue of arts funding and the importance of the arts? This is the only country in the world that has a musical instrument as its national symbol. While we often view the arts and cultural life as being somewhat of a luxury, from my work in the equality field, I know that those on the edges of society often do not have any other means of expressing the lives they lead and their trials and tribulations. The only way they can do so is through the arts.

Following on from what Senator Catherine Ardagh outlined, there is quite a level of unease and disquiet on the issue of waste charges. I heard on radio this morning that the Minister intended to meet various private sector companies next week to discuss the issue. It would be a good idea to have a calm debate on the floor of the House because when there is a vacuum, fears can be raised. As Senator Catherine Ardagh rightly said, people have fears about how they can meet bills as the situation continues.

I hope we can progress the issue of the arts and their importance to the country. I also hope we can have clarity on the issue of waste charges. To this end, we should invite the relevant Ministers to come to the House to further the debate.