Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

If one studies the phenomenon, one will note that those involved in religious groups and churches have a positive outlook and their advertising could serve as an antidote to some forms of anti-social behaviour. Will the Minister of State consider seriously the question of why we cannot have religious advertising, particularly when one considers that some talk shows are very anti-religious in content? I watched a comedian one night on "The Late Late Show" making jokes about the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Will somebody tell me how this can be justified? Can one imagine the hurt such totally unnecessary irreverence must have caused to so many people? I complained and, in fairness to the then host, Gay Byrne, there was an apology on the show the following week. It should not have been necessary to raise the matter in the House nor to seek an apology. It is absolutely vital that what I propose form part and parcel of what we are.

In the area of broadcasting, the system has been abused time and again. I refer to the manner in which vulnerable people, incapable of replying, have been ridiculed and offended unnecessarily. I hope the right of reply, which is contained in this legislation, is not a cosmetic exercise. It must be strong and unequivocal. Broadcasters — there are so many good ones — will have to understand that the one way in which they can prevent the right of reply from being required to be exercised is by ensuring complaints have no basis in fact.

Can I make two more points? Advertising constraints are required in respect of alcohol. No longer are we considered to be old fogeys, as was the case in the past, when we raise this question. Several times in this House we have decried the anti-social behaviour that has resulted not from alcohol but from its abuse. It should be possible to establish constraints in this regard given that this can be achieved in respect of tobacco. Alcohol is one of the foremost drugs in the country and has an impact on health. This must be also considered.

I notice my colleague on the other side of the House, Senator Coghlan, was afforded a little flexibility and I therefore ask for 30 more seconds. The concept of an Oireachtas channel is excellent for the simple reason that, if one looks in a daily newspaper for what is happening in the Houses of the Oireachtas, one will note that, in the main, legislation does not figure. Oireachtas proceedings figure if somebody uses an unusual word or fires a reply across the House but the basic information and tenets of legislation do not come across. Is it any wonder, therefore, that the public perception of politicians and parliamentarians is as it is?

I give credit to RTE for "Oireachtas Report". It does its very best but the programme is always based on the Order of Business in the morning, on the soundbites and topical issues. It is seldom based on the meat of Oireachtas work. Perhaps an Oireachtas channel would not have a great viewership in its early stages but, if presented in a creative way, it would train and focus the minds of the public.

I compliment the Minister of State on bringing forward the legislation. It is not easy to reconcile public and commercial broadcasting. An excellent effort is being made in the Bill and it is right to aim at excellence, not just in the output but also among the people on boards. Having listened to the other contributors, I believe there is a general welcome for the fact that there will be a vetting system.