Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)

I move amendment No. 36:

In page 43, line 29, after "crime" to insert the following:

", anti-social behaviour, exploitation or commercialisation of children or bullying".

An issue arises in regard to the type of material broadcast to children. We are all conscious of the fact that we should not overdo the restrictive approach but the problem of anti-social behaviour is a real one which is increasing. None of us doubts that the influence of television is significant when it comes to children's attitudes and learning behaviour.

The Minister has said that the issue of exploitation, commercialisation of children or bullying are already covered in section 39(1)(d) but that is a vague section. It would be better if the Minister were more specific and included amendment No. 36.

Amendment No. 37, which I do not expect the Minister to accept, raises issues about which he is concerned, that is, the commercial exploitation of children through broadcasting. Television is such an important phenomenon in children's lives that in some countries there has been a recognition that for a period of time when children are watching they should be free of advertising and the pressures that arise. The example with which we all are familiar is the period coming up to Christmas when there is a bombardment by companies of products for children which can be extremely onerous and which will be increasingly so in a time of recession where people cannot buy what are often expensive presents.

The Minister has made a concession in terms of the food advertising, although it is fairly anodyne in terms of impact. However, I would favour it. Perhaps a more radical step would be more appropriate to the Minister's viewpoint which, I suspect, is not that far removed from mine.

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