Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The main item on our agenda is a presentation on the Democratic Republic of the Congo by Mr. Peadar King. I am sure members have heard Mr. King on previous occasions. He is a presenter of the "What in the World" television series and director of KMF Productions. Copies of the sixth series of "What in the World" have been distributed to members to allow them to see its work at first hand. Mr. King's excellent television series continues to contribute to greater public awareness of a range of global issues, including human rights issues. He is joined by Ms Caoimhe de Barra, head of the international division of Trócaire; Mr. Jim Clarkin, CEO of Oxfam Ireland; and Ms Mairéad Ní Nuadháin, head of external relations at RTE. They are here to discuss the Democratic Republic of Congo, which was the subject of the first programme in the sixth series.

"What in the World" is a fine example of public sector broadcasting at its best. It is a tribute to all involved in its production and to RTE. The sixth series raised awareness of stories from across the globe which deserved to be told but were often obscured by other events.

I pay tribute to the team that presented those programmes. For those of us who have an interest in this area, they have heightened the awareness of what is happening in these countries.