Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Dr. Travers to the meeting and I wish him the best of luck. In the first instance I ask Dr. Travers if he is or has ever been, a member of a political party. I note that Dr. Travers's CV is impressive. Before we deal with the subject matter of the meeting I wish him well in finding a resolution to the important issue of the general certificate.

I also wish Dr. Tavers well in his position as chairperson designate of the BAI. He will be facing challenges in that role when one considers the changes in the broadcasting sector such as new platforms and his role will be to ensure that there is a fair and equitable broadcasting system for the country. The committee has just spoken to the chairperson designate of RTE. There is a concern that some of the broadcasters do not give a fair and due recognition to people outside the Pale or to their concerns and issues. In my view it takes significant effort or the emergence of a big issue before any recognition is provided. There is a need to adjust the balance between the Pale and the rest of Ireland. We need a balance in broadcasting to reflect all of society and every issue in society. In so far as possible, Dr. Travers should ensure that there is value for money for public funding being provided to all sectors of the media.

I refer to independent broadcasters, many of whom are under serious financial pressure. I ask him to comment on the provisions of the Broadcasting Act. The independent broadcasters are providing a community or a social form of media - that may not be the correct term - but what I am trying to say is that they are providing a very valid resource for communities all over the country and it may be time that we looked at the possibility of funding them as well because they are providing a massive public service without the funding behind it. I ask Dr. Travers to comment on those points. I wish him well in his role. I note the various roles he has held. I am particularly interested in his work on Irish culture and nationalism.

I would love to get stuck into some of them. Some day when I have time. I wish Dr. Travers well in his role and invite him to comment on my remarks.