Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I did not say that I would. I am saying that the Bill is welcome because we need to discuss this whole area. In the opening part of his speech, I found the Minister was very derogatory towards the Deputy's Bill. I thought it was over the top.

Another prominent misconception is that the right to freedom of expression somehow carries with it an entitlement to a platform. In this regard, some Members may remember the occasion a couple of years ago when a university society in Dublin extended a speaking invitation to Nick Griffin of the British National Party. The invitation was withdrawn after democratic protests by students, staff and anti-racist campaigners. They were then accused of censorship. The right to freedom of expression does not mean that we must tolerate racism, sexism, homophobia or any other type of discrimination.

Another big subject we should examine concerns who is shaping the news. There is little doubt. For example, we know that Independent News and Media got a bailout of about €138 million from the banks. Over €50 million of this fell on the Irish taxpayer. If one searches the Internet to see what the newspapers or RTE said about this, it is bordering on impossible to find out the information. That is because people are afraid of the power and money of Mr. Denis O'Brien. He is worth billions and has incredible power to shape the news. I am surprised the Minister has not dealt with the fact that his control and influence to shape the news is too great for the health of our media. I do not think it is healthy that power and money have such an ability to shape the news. I would have thought that the Minister would agree on that aspect.

Very good research was done by a Trinity College student who examined three years of news coverage of austerity. Only 3% of the coverage stated that austerity was a bad idea for the Irish people, as well as being too harsh and unfair. Only 3% took that position, which is a frightening figure. It is something we need to be worried about, because a healthy, objective media could mean an awful lot for improving how we do things in this country.

The present situation leaves a lot to be desired. Aside from being vulnerable to the wrath of the Government of the day, the national broadcaster is also rather dependent on the commercial and big business sector for advertisement revenue. That is understandable. However, there have been times when the broadcaster should have shown a little more independence. Given that it is a State broadcaster, I would prefer to see a stronger streak of independence and objectivity.

See this speech in context