The month of June, as we know, is Pride month. It is a month in which members of the LGBT community and our supporters, friends, allies and families celebrate and advocate on behalf of our community. It is about building an equal, inclusive and tolerant society where all members of society can play a part and, as Abraham Maslow said, can reach their full potential. I express my disappointment at the decision of RTÉ and Dublin Pride to part ways. I understand the decision taken by Dublin Pride and I seek a debate in Pride month on matters of equality, diversity and inclusivity. Our national broadcaster has a duty to be just that: a national broadcaster. I understand the nature of "Liveline". Many of us in this Chamber will know we have been the subject of much conversation on that programme at times. It is important in any discourse on any radio station to remember that language and words matter. It is not only about what we say; it is also about how we say it and what is implied and meant by the inflections of what we say. That is why it is important that the decision taken by Dublin Pride and the response of RTÉ are reflected upon.

We have come a long way as a society but we in this House, as legislators and leaders, have a critical role to play in bringing people with us. This is Pride month. Many people thought when the country passed marriage equality, the roof was put on the house. That is sadly not the case. I applaud many Members of this House for their support and advocacy. I applaud the Cathaoirleach, along with the Ceann Comhairle, for the roles these Houses have played in making changes that allow for the raising of the Pride flag and for the friendship group of Members of the Parliament. We also have a parliamentary network of staff and Members. I ask RTÉ and Dublin Pride to sit down and work out a means to re-engage in this important month. This month is not only about us as Members. It is about our families, friends and supporters. Pride is important and for as long as we encounter the events of this week and the movement of members of the far right in America to disturb and cause trouble at a Pride event, we will always need Pride. I invite all Members of this House to support the Pride events in Dublin next week. Ní neart go cur le chéile.

Well said.

I thank Senator Buttimer for his considered thoughts on the unfortunate parting of the ways between Dublin Pride and RTÉ and how we can all do more to ensure that everybody feels, and is, a part of our community and country.

I join Senator Buttimer and all Members of this House in celebrating Pride month and lamenting RTÉ's role in this situation. It would be welcome if the Leader could facilitate a debate on the issue. As we have come out of the pandemic, this is our first Pride month in almost three years during which we can get together and celebrate. In the Dublin Central constituency, we will be celebrating Pride.

The same constituency will tomorrow be celebrating one of the country's most famous literary sons, namely, James Joyce. He may have been born on the south side but he had the good sense to move to the north side. He spent an awful lot of time in my neck of the woods. He lived on Claude Road and St. Peter's Road. He went to school in O'Connell School on the North Circular Road and Belvedere College on Great Denmark Street before he emigrated and wrote his masterpiece, of which we are all very proud. It will be celebrated tomorrow not just in Dublin but all around the world. I congratulate the organisers of the 2022 Bloomsday festival. I do not know if any of my colleagues have had the chance to engage in the festival or to experience any of the wonderful events involved. There is a programme of literature, art, culture and music. It is a joy to celebrate and we should all do so and commend all of those involved.

I also commend the organisers of the Stoneybatter festival, which will take place in Dublin Central this weekend. Stoneybatter is one of the oldest villages in our city. A village with cobblestones and cattle markets, Stoneybatter features in Ulysses, as does Arbour Hill. In particular, the City Arms Hotel on Prussia Street features. The people and businesses of Stoneybatter have got together to organise the festival and the village will be buzzing for this year's celebrations after the pandemic.

Stoneybatter will be buzzing with food, music, entertainment, culture and climate action. I encourage anybody who is in the city this weekend to come to Stoneybatter. If they have not had enough excitement and entertainment there, they need to come on Sunday to Mountjoy Square, which is the most perfect of Georgian squares in Dublin city. This Sunday will be Super Soul Sunday in Mountjoy Square and gospel choirs from all over the city will come to lift the square with their gospel singing. It is free of charge from 12 noon to 6.30 p.m. I invite everybody in the city, or anywhere, to come to Dublin Central this weekend to enjoy and celebrate the strong, vibrant and diverse community that is Dublin Central and that makes us all so proud of it.