Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)

The point is well made and RTE should bear it in mind not only because it is going to broadcast specifically to Irish or other communities abroad. While criticism is good, and it is important in a democracy that journalists are vigilant, to constantly harp on the negative conveys an unbalanced view of Ireland today. I take the point that RTE should be conscious of the image it conveys.

It may not be popular to make comparisons with our friends across the water but the BBC has high broadcasting standards. RTE has matched those, probably because it competes with the BBC. We should acknowledge that, although it may not be popular.