Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)

I acknowledge the contribution that local radio is playing. Public representatives from rural constituencies could not but acknowledge that role. There are quite a number of local radio stations in my constituency, including Mid West Radio, Shannonside-Northern Sound — which covers most of the constituency — Galway Bay FM, Midlands Radio 3 and Ocean FM. I could go on. Local radio has brought a lot of news to local communities which may not have been as accessible up to now. Perhaps because of the Coughlan judgment, however, I notice there has not been the same level of political debate in recent elections as in earlier ones. I am talking about the last ten or 11 years. There was far more debate on elections ten years ago than more recently. I do not know whether that is as a result of the Coughlan judgment, but the matter needs to be examined.

The legislation provides for redress but it is hard to obtain such redress when the damage has been done, especially in the broadcast media. Comments were made on a national radio programme about my party leader, Deputy Enda Kenny. He had to go through the Broadcasting Complaints Commission to obtain redress. Six months later, the broadcaster read out an apology, but that is unacceptable because prior to going live on air the broadcaster knew the facts were different to the spin put on it. I am citing that example but it could happen to any Member. Reputation is everything in our profession, so it is vitally important. A system must be put in place concerning a right of reply. In addition, a heavy hand is required to ensure people cannot blatantly misrepresent a situation for their own ends.

In the context of the new Oireachtas television channel, we are not just examining the Chambers and the committees but also local authorities and European debates. It is fundamentally important to examine what is happening at EU level because we never hear much of the debates that are taking place there, whether they concern the Council of Ministers, the Commission or the European Parliament. It is also important to broadcast the proceedings of South Dublin County Council and Roscommon County Council. It is important that it is broadcast in such a manner that brings home to people what exactly goes on, what is the role of public representatives and what issues they are raising. It is an interesting area.

Of course the air-brushing will be no good at that stage. Then we would all have to be like the former Taoiseach, Deputy Bertie Ahern, putting on make-up on a daily basis. It is easy for the Acting Chairman, Deputy O'Connor, who can have his make-up on before he arrives in the morning. For some of us from rural constituencies it might be a little more difficult.

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