I am a new speaking member of the Independent Seanad group, since I realised what it was like to be sitting at the back of the Seanad with no voice. I could not let that go on for much longer and I am delighted to be a part of the group.

I want to make three quick points. The first is to alert Senators to "Showcase Ireland" which is something I think they probably know about. "Showcase Ireland" is a platform for all that is great in the creative arts in Ireland, in manufacturing, glass, ceramics, wool, fabric, design, silver and gold. All the products are created and designed in Ireland. Everybody should, in whatever way he or she can, platform them in their counties, towns and villages. To see the artists' stuff in the RDS in the past few days - the exhibition continues until Wednesday - has been in absolute privilege. To mention one in particular, Eamonn Terry was a glass-blower in Waterford Glass - we know what happened there - but he went out on his own. He now has Criostal na Rinne and makes beautiful stuff. I would also like to mention Jerpoint Glass, an Irish handmade glass company. These are people who are still blowing their own glass in Ireland; it is not being imported from any other country. It is apt that we look at arts and crafts in Ireland, especially with what is happening with Brexit, because we need to take our artists, creatives, manufacturers and designers very seriously and make sure they are well resourced.

The second thing I want to say is that Garry Hynes, Philip King, Mark Patrick Hederman and Theo Dorgan will be coming to speak to the Joint Committee on Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht tomorrow, representing music, literature, theatre and poetry.

Will the Leader let me know when the Adoption (Information and Tracing) Bill will be brought to the Seanad? It was delayed before Christmas. Will he also let me know when the Children and Family Relationships (Amendment) Bill will be before the Seanad, something I asked about two months ago? Many are in limbo awaiting the Bill. I also ask when full commencement of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Bill will happen. I was very involved with it in the last Seanad. Will the Leader give an update on those Bills?

I am standing up for the arts and creativity because now, more than ever, they matter. It is not just economic graft that means something. Our island is a great creator of arts, crafts and literature and we should look to it as a half saviour.

I thank the Senator and hope she finds solace in her new relationship with the group.