Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)

I acknowledge the work done by the Minister and his civil servants. I am sure he is right that we will have another broadcasting Bill . I have no doubt that it will set up one regulator across the telecommunications industry. I am sure the civil servants will have that to look forward to, as perhaps will the Minister, although he may not be in the position he is now, but who knows?

There have been improvements in this Bill. I acknowledge that the Minister has listened to the Opposition in a way that does not always happen. Sometimes Ministers do not seem to hear anything that is said during a debate except their own side of the case. I acknowledge that the Minister took on board some but by no means all the points made on Committee Stage and came back with improvements.

One point he did not make, which has to be in his favour, is the fact that the Oireachtas has a role in the selection process for appointments. That is a valuable change. The door is opening slightly with the passage of this Bill but it is significant that it is opening. It is a welcome step and a sign that the there is a recognition that the old ways are not the best ways.

In terms of Question Time today, unfortunately, I have a commitment in my constituency at 3 p.m. I presumed that Question Time would not commence until 5.30 p.m. I would be more than happy to be back here by 4.45 p.m. if that is of any help. I planned my day around Question Time.

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