It is extremely fitting that Limerick has been mentioned in the previous contribution. I do welcome the fact that the University of Limerick has announced it will be a sanctuary university. It is UN World Refugee Day. However, I wish to raise an issue which perhaps the Taoiseach himself could come into the Chamber to discuss, namely, the comments made by a Fine Gael councillor in Limerick, Stephen Keary, who is due to become the next Mayor of Limerick. It is fantastic that the University of Limerick will become a sanctuary university and it is wonderful that we have laudable statements on UN World Refugee Day but that individual has made racist, anti-immigrant statements in recent weeks. Our own Labour Party councillor in that part of the world, Elena Secas, who is of Moldovan extraction, is disgusted by what he said. The new leader of Fine Gael does not seem to find the capacity within himself to censure the councillor, criticise him or perhaps even expel him from the Fine Gael Party, or at least make sure that his name does not go forward to be the first citizen of Limerick.

Senator Ó Ríordáin is a long-standing Member and knows we should not refer to people outside the House.

Hold on, a Leas-Chathaoirligh.

Senator Ó Ríordáin knows we should not refer to people outside the House who are not in a position to defend themselves.

This is the era of new politics. We now have a new Taoiseach who, in the context of the person that he is and his background-----

Does the Senator want the Taoiseach to address the House?

-----for many people represents a new opportunity for this country. We have five appointees to positions as Ministers of State not one of whom is a woman. We also have a councillor in Limerick making racist comments. This individual is due to be Mayor of Limerick and there is absolutely no word from the Taoiseach on the matter. I would like to discuss the-----

The House is not actually aware of what it is the Senator-----

-----comments made by this individual at a public forum in Limerick over which he is standing. These were anti-immigrant and racist comments-----

He is not here to defend himself, as the Senator well knows.

----and on this of all days we have to call him out.

The Senator's time is up.

I want to know what the Leader believes the response of his party and the Taoiseach should be-----

The Leader will respond, I have no doubt.

-----to a councillor who is making racist and anti-immigrant comments.

That is the Senator's opinion.

Is he welcome in Fine Gael and should he be Mayor of Limerick?

The person the Senator is referring to is not here to defend himself.