Ulick Burke (Galway East, Fine Gael)

I will clarify it for the Minister of State. I am sure he is aware that I am hinting at something. I do not want to be any more blatant than I have been so far but I will be if the Minister of State so desires.

When one considers a list of candidates' names and then examines the content, method of presentation and personalities — one might go so far as to discover who are their siblings or what are their party politics — involved in programmes on which they appeared, one will be able to identify connections to the major party in government. One need not dig too deep in order to uncover that fact. A bias has been displayed in the presentation of certain programmes, particularly in the lead up to elections. I hope the Minister will impose in respect of broadcasters the necessary mechanisms to prevent such bias being displayed in the future. I will say no more on the matter.

"Oireachtas Report", the programme on which the proceedings of these Houses are shown, is one of the greatest examples of fair and balanced presentation and it allows the views of people across the wider political spectrum to be shown on national television. The programme is a credit to those involved in its production.

The Minister should consider certain aspects of the Bill, particularly those relating to advertising. I welcome what he is doing in respect of the licence and the collection of the fee. I hope we will avoid the disasters which occurred in the past. There are many people who receive television signals but who do not pay for the privilege. I hope the mechanism included in the Bill in this regard will bring an end to their behaviour, once and for all.

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