Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

I thank Deputy Terence Flanagan for his generosity in sharing time.

The Broadcasting Bill 2008, which consolidates, revises or repeals various Acts dating back to the Broadcasting Act 1960 which established RTE and created a basis for public service broadcasting, is welcome. Television is probably the most useful but dangerous device in any household. As Deputies indicated, with the advent of digital transmission we will soon be able to watch radio and television programmes, play DVDs, PlayStation, the X-box and music and access practically all other forms of media on our television sets. The legislation arms the State and Oireachtas with the ability to deal with this development.

Given the speed with which advances are being made in the media, it will be necessary to ensure the Bill has an inbuilt capacity to evolve to deal with the evolution of the media, specifically television. Until now, we have constantly been in catch-up mode.

It is hard to believe it is 20 years since the Independent Radio and Television Commission, IRTC, was established. Community radio has been important for local communities, providing, for example, access to training in radio and communications which had not previously been available.

The rationalisation of a number of State agencies in the legislation is welcome in the current economic climate. The board of the proposed broadcasting authority of Ireland has the responsibility to ensure the authority moves with advancing technology and is in a position to respond, react and, if necessary, control the medium of television.

Deputy Creed addressed the issue of advertisements for food products. The food and drinks industry will make the case that it will face a distinct disadvantage until such time as international agreement is reached on the standards to apply to the content of food advertisements transmitted on television. In fairness to the industry, it has provided guideline daily allowances on packaging. Clearer labelling will be needed and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland will have a role to play in this regard. We should expect food advertisements to feature similar information and standards as are available on other forms of advertisement. For example, we often hear the words "Enjoy alcohol responsibly" at the end of advertisements for alcoholic drinks. Food advertisements should feature words to the effect that people should consult the recommended daily allowance for the relevant products.

In recent days, the issue of religion has been discussed. In the United States one cannot use the words "Happy Christmas". Instead, one must say "Happy Holidays". On the other hand, the country has many commercial television channels dedicated to bible belt preaching. We should not muddy the waters and become excessively politically correct. Religions which do not promote themselves as superior or practice discrimination against other races, colours or creeds should not be precluded from advertising. Common sense must prevail.

I note Deputy Peter Kelly who is seated opposite was photographed on the set of "The Tudors". As a Deputy from County Wicklow, it would remiss of me not to welcome the provision on establishing an Irish film channel. The broadcasting fund's remit should be extended to include the promotion of Irish culture through film.

The Minister for Finance should extend section 4(3)(1), which deals with tax breaks in the film industry, to include film editing. Once films are shot, the editing takes place in the United States where the big money is spent. While film editing may not provide as much employment as the set and production side, it is a high cost element of film production.

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