Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

I have taken note of Deputy Stagg's comment and I shall refer to it later.

I thank the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Mary Wallace, and Deputies Clune, Andrews, Kenneally and White for their comments and support in respect of the strengthened provisions on children's advertising. These provisions will serve to protect the general public health interests concerning children. We are all aware that significant budgets are provided for programming aimed at young people and also that many young people believe that everything contained in such programming is true. We must be very careful about what we allow and about the type of advertising aimed directly at children that we permit on television. The finalisation of the national nutrition policy as outlined by the Minister of State, Deputy Wallace, is something I welcome.

I concur with the views of Deputies Nolan and Coveney in respect of the need for a focus on the development of children's programming. Section 101 specifically requires RTE and TG4 to outline on a regular basis their proposals for children's programming. Section 96 of the Bill empowers the audience councils of RTE and TG4 to conduct research into the programming needs of children and young persons.

I welcome Deputy Calleary's support for the added transparency measures outlined in the Bill in respect of contract award processes. These legislative changes are intended to reflect the outcome of the 2004 radio licensing review. I agree also with his point about the critical role played by local radio in reporting local news and current affairs. As public representatives, we can all appreciate the importance that locals play——

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