Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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Like everyone here, I believe broadcasting, whether that is television, online or the print media, influences children and the industry has a huge responsibility in this regard. Senator Noone referred to the online world but my hobbyhorse is "The Big Big Movie". The latter is broadcast at 6.30 p.m. on a Saturday, which is family viewing time, is sponsored by a particular fast food outlet that also has intermittent advertisements throughout the broadcast. I have a huge problem with that and I wonder where the codes and standards of the broadcasting industry sit within that. Adults watch the movie but most who watch it are aged under 18 and it is geared specifically at children. The fast food outlet targets children and influences their behaviour. I take on board the notion of food in and food out, as well as parent responsibility, but what is the responsibility of the industry which allows this to happen? I direct my questions and Mr. O'Keeffe and Ms Twomey. I would like the answer to this question before I move on.