Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

There have been a number of legislative provisions in recent years dealing with the phenomenon of human trafficking. A further Bill, the criminal justice trafficking in persons and sexual offences Bill, will give effect to a number of international instruments on trafficking in persons and sexual exploitation. It is not possible at this stage to indicate when that Bill will be brought forward, but I understand the Minister intends to bring forward draft legislation this year.

With regard to the RTE authority and the policies it is pursuing, that is a matter for the authority. If the Government were to intervene, there would be howls of derision and indignation from the Opposition benches on interfering with public service broadcasting.

See this speech in context