Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

It is unfortunate that when excellent legislation comes before the House, it is not given the recognition it deserves. Tonight, one will find little on RTE or TV3 news or radio about the work of the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Ahern, in bringing this legislation to the Seanad. It is time RTE dedicated a ten minute slot after the "9 o'clock News" to highlight the legislation going through the Houses to ensure greater public knowledge. Then the people affected by legislation will realise it is being enacted, allowing them an input through their public representatives during the passage of a Bill. It is about time we had a dedicated Oireachtas broadcasting channel. I compliment the existing "Oireachtas Report" for its fair and balanced assessment of both the Dáil and the Seanad proceedings. We owe them a great debt of gratitude for their coverage.