Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

We had a good debate on this issue. I intend to give the broadcasting authority greater freedoms in the area of religious advertising. It is seeking such freedoms to reflect the complex variety of issues it needs to address. We are not providing for a complete blanket ban, which might be one approach. If we were to prescribe which advertisements are acceptable, we would not meet every possible circumstance. I am vesting greater authority in the broadcasting authority to make some of the difficult judgment calls that are necessary. That is why I am satisfied my proposals will meet with some success on the part of the regulator, which is looking for a reflective and flexible approach.

See this speech in context