Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

Deputy Kehoe and I, and I suspect most other Members in the Chamber at present, are members of the Joint Administration Committee, which is meeting today at 12.15 p.m. The second item on its agenda is the dedicated Oireachtas TV channel. As the Deputy knows, presentations have been made by two groups on how this service could be delivered. It is recognised it is desirable that it be established. However, it is also recognised that it probably cannot be established at present because of the cost. Most of us are extremely anxious to find a way to ensure "Oireachtas Report" is not broadcast at a time when, as Deputy Rabbitte said, it is of interest only to insomniacs and alcoholics.

While I commend both TG4 and RTE on the way the are covering the work of the Oireachtas at present, I must castigate - that is probably too strong a word - the print media, in particular, for their relative inattention to the work of committees. I have heard some commentators on radio and television programmes dismissing it. Committees, while believed by some to be surplus to requirements, comprise one way, and a good way, for citizens to engage with Parliament. They can lobby on a variety of issues and receive a hearing. In many cases, their insights inform legislation.

On Deputy Kehoe's question, the Government favours the introduction of an Oireachtas channel as early as possible but, in the current financial circumstances in this digital era, it is unlikely that it will be established in the shorter term unless other means are found to fund it.

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