Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

We recently heard of the case of a well-known celebrity who contacted RTE on several occasions when she heard another celebrity was to appear on a television programme. She telephoned RTE because she was afraid something offensive might be said about her. RTE took the case very seriously and decided on pre-recording the interview in question and then having it examined by its legal people.

It is a pity RTE cannot be as sensitive in other cases. Every week there is constant demonisation of the clergy and we see fun being poked at religion. We know why this is the case — it is because of the terrible scandals which happened in this country. However, it is not fair to suggest every single person with a religious vocation should be demonised in this manner. We have heard compliments in the House, for example, that the hospital system deteriorated when the religious left the hospitals. We could say the same of many schools — in fact, the issue with regard to the school to which reference was made has a religious content.

RTE is not subject to good taste and decency regulation at present, as we know, but I understand it will be in the very near future. It should not be necessary to have regulations to do what is right and fair. I hope good taste and decency will in future be shown not just to the clergy in general but to their families and relatives and to those who admire the clergy.