I welcome the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Deputy Catherine Martin, to the House. I congratulate her and all involved in the Irish film industry on the wonderful announcement last week of a record number of 14 Oscar nominations for Irish films. I do so not only because of the nominations but in acknowledgement of the huge work that is being done in the Irish film industry, the Department and by all involved. It is great that "An Cailín Ciúin" is the first Irish language film to be nominated. If people have not watched it or "The Banshees of Inisherin", I recommend that they do so. As Cathaoirleach, I commend all involved on the great work that has been done in flying the Irish flag in the film industry. It is absolutely fantastic.
National Cultural Institutions (National Concert Hall) (Amendment) Bill 2022: Committee and Remaining Stages
When is it proposed to take Report Stage?
Is that agreed? Agreed.
When is it proposed to take Fifth Stage?
Is that agreed? Agreed.
I thank the Senators for their engagement on the Bill last week. Is Bille tábhachtach é an Bille um Fhorais Chultúir Náisiúnta (An Ceoláras Náisiúnta) (Leasú) 2022. It represents a crucial step forward in the journey of the National Symphony Orchestra, the choirs and the National Concert Hall. It is a critical part of the National Concert Hall's ambitious vision for the development of symphonic music, with the restored symphony orchestra taking its place in a 21st century concert hall. The legislation will also help to support the concert hall's efforts to return the orchestra to full strength by embedding it and the choirs into the corporate structure of the concert hall. The amendment to increase the limit of the State indemnity is a necessary measure that will support our cultural institutions to continue to present exhibitions of international quality to the Irish public. Gabhaim buíochas less na Seanadóirí as a mbreithiúnas ar an mBille seo. I look forward to commencing it in its entirety as soon as possible after its enactment.
We had a debate on the Bill last week, as the Minister said. I commend her on the swift passage of the legislation, which is great to see.
Senator Cassells and I enjoyed a recent visit to the National Concert Hall for the Sunday Miscellany concert, which was a tremendous occasion.
As Senator Cassells said, we had a good debate on this sensible legislation and I welcome its passage. I look forward to visiting the National Concert Hall. I have not been to a performance there but I look forward to doing so in the near future.
I look forward to taking the Senator to the National Concert Hall to see the Christmas Sunday Miscellany performance being recorded this coming December. It is a fabulous occasion in a wonderful facility.