Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

The role of the national broadcaster is crucial in terms of ensuring that all voices in Irish politics are heard and that all arguments are put by Government and Opposition. In that context, I strongly support the comments made by the Labour Party leader, Deputy Rabbitte, in which he highlighted the refusal by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to appear with him on a television programme to debate issues of crime. No Minister has the right to dictate or bully RTE or anyone else concerning the terms on which he or she will go on record.