My mother always told me when I was growing up that empty vessels made the most noise. I ask Senators to reflect on the proverb in the context of today's contributions. Senator Diarmuid Wilson has returned to the Chamber. I advise him that no one has written notes for me. I am very lucky to have someone employed to work for me. They are a political activist of the calibre that Senator Diarmuid Wilson can only dream about achieving.

Muna miste leis an gCeannaire, ba mhaith liom a lua go mbeidh agóid taobh amuigh den Teach ag 1.30 p.m. ag an ngrúpa Misneach faoi chúrsaí Gaeilge. Tá a fhios ag an gCeannaire go bhfuil sé ardaithe agamsa, ag an Seanadóir Ó Clochartaigh agus ag roinnt mhaith daoine eile gur chóir go mbeadh díospóireacht againn leis an Aire Stáit faoi chúrsaí Gaeilge agus faoin slad atá déanta ar bhuiséad na Gaeilge agus ar shaol na Gaeilge fud fad an Stáit seo.

I want the Leader to implore the Minister to come here to debate the Irish Language. The Irish Language lobby group, Misneach, will hold a protest at the front gates of Leinster House at 1.30 p.m. today. The group wishes to highlight two facts. First, the Minister has been unable to come into this House, for whatever reason, to discuss the very important issue of Irish language rights, development and investment. Second, she has not spoke to the media, Irish language organisations or representative groups. I know that the Leader, with the vast majority of Members of this House, cherish the Irish language for all of the economic, social, cultural and artistic benefits it bestows on our lives. It is about time that we heard the Minister's explanation for the cut in budget for the Irish language. I want to know why there is almost disdain for the language at a time when we should invest in, promote and develop it like never before.