Noel Treacy (Galway East, Fianna Fail)

I cannot do that. I thank the Acting Chairman for the opportunity to speak.

A famous Irishman who was chairman first of CIE and subsequently chairman of RTE was asked a question on his retirement about the difference between the two organisations. He said, "Regretfully, I think the latter carries more passengers". That was a serious indictment from a man who helped to build up many semi-State corporations. It is time that we as legislators ensured there is fairness, equity and proper scrutiny, and that Members of Parliament, no matter what party they belong to or none, and, similarly, members of Government, are treated with dignity and respect in order that such situations as we witnessed recently do not re-occur, when the Taoiseach and two former Ministers were ridiculed by way of satiric comedy on a national broadcaster. I do not have a problem with satire and comedy in their rightful place but if a show is broadcast nationally to families, including young children, in a world of global communications, the Members of this Parliament and all people holding public office deserve due regard and respect. Loading audiences and having unbalanced programmes is no way to serve politics, the Parliament, the public or the nation.

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