Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)

I make no apology for referring to north Kerry writers. I am in favour of strengthening the budget available to RTE's independent production unit, for which I have great admiration. The provision of funding to the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland for similar productions has not worked out very well, whereas the IPU has done an excellent job in that respect. The increase in funding for the latter body will enable it to do more good work.

I support the proposal for an Irish film channel, although I am not certain televising the proceedings of the Houses of the Oireachtas would attract many viewers. The business of the House is arranged in a manner that would not attract much interest. It could be described as boring or seldom exciting. In addition, Members let themselves down at times and would not like members of the public to see their behaviour. Nevertheless, I would support the establishment of a new channel. Deputy Coveney raised issues about its funding.

There are so many stories to be told, particularly by a large number of elderly people who can go back to the 19th century through their parents and grandparents but will soon move on. If their stories are not collected or recorded, they will be lost forever. I hope the new channel will provide an opportunity to make many more programmes on important items and issues of local history because many such programmes cannot be made currently owing to a lack of capacity.

I was involved with a several other people in trying to make a documentary about Annie Moore, the first woman to go through Ellis Island. Incidentally, she was a native of County Cork rather than Kerry. As part of a celebration of Annie Moore's life, a headstone will be erected on her grave in New York tomorrow. I assisted a number of people who wished to make a documentary on the topic. While we received a commitment for funding in New York, we were unable to secure funding in Ireland, including from RTE. This is wrong as the programme would have been worth making. Not only was Annie Moore the first girl to pass through Ellis Island, but the programme could also have focused on the many other people who passed through Ellis Island.

I have raised a number of the deficiencies in the legislation. With increased funding and in the event that a new television channel is established, we should be able to see more local history programmes. I am pleased to have had this opportunity to raise a few issues which I hope the Minister will address. The Bill can be amended and improved in all our interests.

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