Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)

We welcome this Bill in principle and will not be opposing it on Second Stage. I intend, however, to put down a series of amendments to the Bill because, like Senator Finucane, I do not think it goes far enough. I note the Minister's general remarks with regard to the changing environment surrounding television not only here but in the European and global contexts. One has to take this into account in any consideration of this kind of legislation. It has become necessary for us as a country, and it is our responsibility as a nation, to ensure that our culture and heritage are protected in the area of broadcasting. The Minister has been quite forthright in protecting our interests in this area, particularly in terms of broadcasting large sporting events and he has full support in that.

To expect that a fund of €8 million, of which €400,000 will go to the administration of the schemes proposed, will in itself ensure that our culture and heritage are protected as well as fulfilling the other intentions of the scheme is somewhat over-ambitious. RTE has been carrying out many of the functions of this fund for several years on its own. The Bill separates several of these functions and places them under the aegis of the broadcasting authority, as the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland will become. I am glad to see that archiving is on this list of functions because having worked in RTE, I am aware that archiving is a great responsibility and the station has not been able to maintain a full and complete archive. It is essential that this be done. I look forward to exploring that area in the legislation.