Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I understand that, in some ways, the amendment does seek to address what is probably an editorial decision, namely, to leave out certain counties, but I find it odd that a national broadcaster, or any broadcaster for that matter, would purposely blank them out. In some cases, programmes do not even show the island as a whole, which is bizarre. It is not even that the Six Counties are a different colour, for example; they are just left out. That is not political interference but rather an editorial decision.

What I am asking is reflective of the Constitution, concerning the birthright of every person born on the island of Ireland to be part of that nation, and there is a description in the Constitution regarding what the island of Ireland is. It is not just the singular, large island but also includes the seas around it. I find it odd. If I thought it could be achieved by encouraging national broadcasters, or any broadcasters that get a licence from the State and that will be regulated by the coimisiún, to ensure it does not happen, I would be happy with that. People have complained over the years, however, and that has fallen on deaf ears or a blind eye has been turned. That is why the amendment and other amendments that were ruled out of order were submitted.

I will return to the matter at a later stage to address it, perhaps in respect of other legislation, and I will continue to raise it with the Minister if the amendment is not acceptable. I will table a similar amendment on Report Stage and look to see whether there is a mechanism or wording that would satisfy, and would not be seen to interfere with, the impartiality and the commercial sensitivities of broadcasters. We are not trying to interfere in their work. Rather, we are trying to set out what Ireland is in order that if a broadcaster is announcing the weather forecast for Ireland, the Six Counties will not just disappear. That is strange.