Results 101-120 of 5,010 for speaker:Joe O'Reilly

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Committee Stage (4 Jun 2008)

Joe O'Reilly: I have no difficulty accepting the Minister's proposition that there must be significant ministerial control and input because that is a given. I also have no difficulty with the proposal that an Oireachtas committee should make four recommendations. My amendment does not preclude the Minister's proposition and I propose that a public hearing should be added. The committee should make...

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Committee Stage (4 Jun 2008)

Joe O'Reilly: In respect of the Minister's point about my first amendment, it would not restrict good candidates from seeking positions on the board. If they are competent, know what they are about and have the right motives, they would not have a problem with a properly ordered process of public investigation. I do not accept the contention that it would deter good candidates. It is correct for the...

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Committee Stage (4 Jun 2008)

Joe O'Reilly: I genuinely and enthusiastically welcome the Minister's reply in this instance. I am very happy about it. I feel very strongly that it is important that the Seanad has an input into the legislation, not just in verbiage but in terms of output. For that reason, I am delighted that the Minister has decided to make an adjustment on Report Stage to accommodate this ambition, which is a...

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Committee Stage (4 Jun 2008)

Joe O'Reilly: Yes.

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Committee Stage (4 Jun 2008)

Joe O'Reilly: I move amendment No. 13: In page 32, subsection (2)(d), line 29, after "disabilities" to insert "requiring the use of sign language and sub-titles". These amendments propose to make the use of sign language and subtitles in programming a legal requirement. The objective is to ensure the full enjoyment of programmes by persons with hearing impairment. Sign language and subtitles should be...

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Committee Stage (4 Jun 2008)

Joe O'Reilly: While I take the point that there are high-level goals, there is nothing wrong in giving specific, practical expression to them. It will enhance the legislation to do so. Later in the legislation, sign language is mentioned "without prejudice to the generality of the previous section", which, in a sense, is a bit loose. It would enhance this section to include the proposed amendment No....

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Committee Stage (4 Jun 2008)

Joe O'Reilly: Regarding the subtitling issue, is the Minister stating that he will include a provision on Report Stage whereby the authority must show achievement in subtitling and sign language on an annual basis?

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Committee Stage (4 Jun 2008)

Joe O'Reilly: I am prepared to accept that as incorporating the spirit of the amendment. I would have preferred to see the amendment included in the legislation but if we have a commitment that there will be a provision on Report Stage for monitoring quality and quantity, I am pleased to accept the response on that basis. Regarding the response of the Minister to the amendment concerning the Irish...

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Committee Stage (4 Jun 2008)

Joe O'Reilly: I regret the Minister is unable to accept my amendments. While the Bill is aspirational, the inclusion of a mandatory quota would give practical expression to that aspiration. The vast majority of people, taxpayers and licence fee payers, want this. I believe that they have a right to want it. I challenge anybody to engage in market research that would establish the contrary. I know I am...

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Committee Stage (4 Jun 2008)

Joe O'Reilly: In light of the Minister's commitment to introduce a proposal on Report Stage in regard to the monitoring of quality and content of sign language, I am happy to withdraw the amendment. That is my understanding of the Minister's proposition. It is reasonable to withdraw the amendment on that basis.

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Committee Stage (4 Jun 2008)

Joe O'Reilly: Yes. I would like to deal separately with each of the amendments in my name. I move amendment No. 14: In page 32, subsection (2)(e), line 31, after "services" to insert the following: "establishing a quota of mandatory programming in the Irish language".

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Committee Stage (4 Jun 2008)

Joe O'Reilly: I move amendment No. 16: In page 32, subsection (2), between lines 31 and 32, to insert the following: "(f) facilitate and encourage the broadcasting of religious programmes with a mandatory quota.".

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Committee Stage (4 Jun 2008)

Joe O'Reilly: I am pleased to support the amendment in the name of Senator Mullen and on which I congratulate him. The detail of his proposition of the amendment was such that in the unlikely event that his political career were ever to fade, he would have a future in production and direction within one of the broadcasting organisations. He has the potential for another career. Indeed, Senator Norris is...

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Committee Stage (4 Jun 2008)

Joe O'Reilly: He could be and is getting a fine apprenticeship there.

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Committee Stage (4 Jun 2008)

Joe O'Reilly: I have given Senator Norris sufficient publicity for his programme.

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Committee Stage (4 Jun 2008)

Joe O'Reilly: I support Senator Mullen's worthy amendment because the concept of a heritage channel is a good one. I said on Second Stage that I am a complete believer in and enthusiastic advocate for the film channel and the Oireachtas channel. The former has considerable potential. I will move an amendment about the financing of this to which we will come later. It has immense potential to uplift and...

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Committee Stage (4 Jun 2008)

Joe O'Reilly: I move amendment No. 20: In page 38, between lines 27 and 28, to insert the following subsection: "(2) The levy referred to in subsection 15 shall be capped at a maximum annual figure to be determined by the Minister, following consultation with both the Authority and the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. Such levy will be laid before the Houses of...

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Committee Stage (4 Jun 2008)

Joe O'Reilly: On the basis of the Minister's commitment to introduce a proposal on Report Stage, I am happy to withdraw the amendment.

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Committee Stage (4 Jun 2008)

Joe O'Reilly: I commend Senator Mullen on tabling this worthy amendment which merits serious consideration. I also take note of the observations and qualifications Senator Norris made in respect of it which also merit serious consideration in terms of how one might practically implement the spirit of the amendment. The number of people aged over 65 years continues to rise. There is much use of the...

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Committee Stage (4 Jun 2008)

Joe O'Reilly: Hear, hear.