Michael McCarthy (Labour)

I thank Senator Doherty for allowing me this time and I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Seán Power, to the House.

I welcome the Bill broadly and look forward to the various Stages during which this side of the House will be able to table amendments where the Bill requires improvement. I wish to discuss the Oireachtas channel in particular. Every Member has made the point that, for a long time, the broadcasting of events in the Houses of the Oireachtas, particularly those in the Seanad, has been somewhere between non-existent and poor. There were recent examples of "Oireachtas Report" not being aired on RTE television if the Dáil was not sitting despite the Seanad sitting. It is an affront to this House and its Members. How can we expect people to engage in hot political issues such as the Lisbon treaty, a significant debate, if there is a knowledge deficit? How can we expect the ordinary Joe and Mary Public to be aware of what is transpiring in the Houses if RTE does not bother to cover our business when the Dáil does not sit? This is an important point.

Regarding the film channel, we have made significant inroads in terms of Irish films in recent years thanks to a succession of Ministers. I wish to single out Senator Leyden's comments on Deputy Higgins, who invested considerable resources when he had the political opportunity to do so. There has been significant growth in the film industry. The designated film channel is welcome, as it will allow us to showcase the best of Irish talent, put together headline films and have a strong base from which to project them.

I welcome the proposed single content regulator. It is timely and appropriate that a broadcasting authority of Ireland be created to take over from the BCI and the Broadcasting Complaints Commission, BCC. Regarding the right of reply mechanism, it is important that a provision be included in the legislation whereby those who believe their reputations have been damaged by a production have an efficient and timely mechanism through which to rectify the situation.

I welcome the important code to control the advertising of food to children, as child obesity is a considerable issue. The Bill does not go far enough in this regard, however, and we propose to table amendments to that effect. I look forward to putting forward proposals on Committee and Report Stages.

I thank Senator Doherty for sharing time with me.