Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)

I also welcome the opportunity to comment on the Broadcasting Bill 2008. The Bill as passed by Seanad Éireann is comprehensive in that it consolidates five or six other Acts. It is 167 pages long, contains 181 detailed sections and 13 parts. Overall, while the Bill contains some very good aspects, Fine Gael will seek to amend others on Committee Stage. The Bill seeks to establish the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, BAI, which will take over the functions of the existing Broadcasting Commission of Ireland and the Broadcasting Complaints Commission, as well as receiving some other new functions.

I am aware of the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland's existence mainly because in my previous employment I used to pass its offices on a daily basis. I entered the office and had a chat with its staff to ascertain what are its functions. I am aware of their existence. It is welcome, particularly in the current economic climate, that a levy will be put on broadcasters so taxpayers will not have to fund these new authorities, except in the first year of establishment.

Section 8 relates to the appointment of members to the broadcasting authority of Ireland, BAI. It indicates that five members will be appointed by the Government on the nomination of the Minister, with four members to be appointed on the advice of the relevant joint Oireachtas committee. That is a welcome development which means members of a committee will have much more power in ensuring people with the proper qualifications and who are experienced in the areas will be appointed to the broadcasting authority of Ireland. Such oversight will mean there will be no political appointments or cronyism, which will improve public accountability.

On this side of the House we wish to ensure all members are vetted by the joint Oireachtas committee rather than just half of them. Five members will be appointed by the Minister and just four will be appointed by the committee.

With regard to the statutory committees, half the appointments will be made by the Government on the nomination of the Minister and the other half will be made by the BAI from its own staff and membership. The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources should have more of a role in this. I welcome that the chief executive officer of the BAI will have to attend the Committee of Public Accounts and will have to account, in particular, for the level of expenditure. He or she will also be answerable to the other Oireachtas committees.

I see deadlines and timelines will have to be adhered to by the BAI in dealing with complaints brought forward by people who feel their reputation has been hurt or incorrect facts have been given out. For broadcasters in breach of the terms of their contract, the compliance committee may recommend to the High Court that a fine of up to €250,000 be imposed. That is significant punishment for anybody seen to be making deliberate attempts to injure people's reputations and names.

Section 81 deals with the appointment to the boards of both RTE and TG4, with each of the boards containing 12 people and an equal gender balance. That is welcome and we could learn from that in this House in ensuring we improve our gender balance. Six members are to be nominated by the Minister, with four nominated by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. This is very innovative and seems to be the way forward. We must ensure that in future nomination processes, people have the relevant experience and qualification before appointment to boards. It should happen in this instance so that politics and politicians can be protected.

The legislation deals with the directors general and chairpersons of RTE and TG4 having to attend committee meetings in the Houses of the Oireachtas, which is also necessary. The Bill will ensure RTE will provide a television service to Irish communities abroad. We are all aware of the Irish communities, particularly in England and the undocumented in America, and these issues must be aired on RTE's broadcasts outside the country. They will give a better understanding of the problems experienced by the Irish. I am sure we are all very aware of the plight of the Irish in England who have hit on hard times.

The decision to cover proceedings of the Houses of the Oireachtas through a free-to-air service is a welcome development. It will inform the public to a greater degree as to what goes on here in the Houses, particularly in committees. People will have more of an understanding of the process, know what Deputies do when they come to the House and what the job of a Deputy involves.

The Irish Film Board will be provided with its own dedicated channel, which is also to be welcomed. The Irish film industry enjoyed some great years but over the past few years it has not been as great as it once was. There have been more Irish productions recently, notably "The Tudors", a series made in Ardmore Studios. Some members of the Joint Committee on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources visited that location. We must protect the Irish film industry and particularly the tax reliefs and incentives which exist. They must continue.

Section 159 deals with the major sporting events. Perhaps the Minister will provide some more information as to which major sporting events are in mind, as the Bill does not specify. Will it relate to the all-Ireland finals and ensure they will be provided on a free basis? Will it apply to Irish soccer matches?

The manner in which the television licence is collected is very outdated and costly. The process should be greatly improved upon and perhaps when somebody purchases a television, the levy should be paid up front and once only, especially for new customers.

Local radio and television services clearly provide a terrific service to local communities in various parts of the country which would not be informed of local events, news and current affairs issues otherwise. Independent television and radio stations must be protected and the Government must ensure adequate funding remains so the service can be provided. They provide great opportunities for volunteers or those interested in presenting on radio stations to get involved, learn how programmes are put together and the various skills used in making programmes. That would give people great confidence. Many people working in these radio stations are volunteers and do not get paid. They should be commended for the good work they do.

The restriction on junk food advertising is an excellent development and the area of obesity has been covered by other Deputies. The Minister is aware it is a significant issue. There has been information in the media recently about the content of cereals — there is more sugar in Irish cereals than in their counterparts in Australia or other countries, for example, and that should be examined.

There are many positive developments in the Bill. We would like to see alcohol advertisement banned completely. Regarding changes, our party will table amendments on Committee Stage.

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