Pearse Doherty (Sinn Fein)

Is í an cheist is tábhachtaí sa Bhille seo ná an chosaint a chaithimid a thabhairt do chaighdeán craolacháin sna meáin cumarsáide. Go ginearálta, caithimid aithint go bhfuil caighdeán iontach ard ag an teilifís agus an raidió sa tír seo. Nuair a amharcann muid ar cad atá ag tarlú i dtíortha eile, feiceann muid nach bhfuil an cás mar an gcéanna sna tíortha sin. Caithfimid a bheith iontach cúramach faoi na caighdeáin, go háirithe nuair atá muid ag déileáil le craolachán poiblí agus caithfimid cinntiú go bhfuil sin lárnach sa Bhille seo.

The most important consideration in regard to this Bill must be the protection of standards in the broadcasting media. While the standard of television and radio in this country is generally high, what has happened in other countries makes clear the need to exercise vigilance. In particular, we must ensure that public broadcasting retains its central role. This is especially important when we consider the so-called dumbing down that has occurred within many broadcast media, particularly television. While there are those who argue that reality shows, sensationalised chat shows and so on are a reflection of popular culture, it is equally valid to state that they are formative of popular culture and not always in a beneficial way.

Likewise, there are those who would argue that recent changes in RTE radio with regard to specific niche areas of the arts are a similar reflection of public demand. This has been used as justification for reducing the amount of time devoted to blues and classical music or to the discussion of books. In general, however, RTE radio is far superior to most of its competitors in this regard. The role of public broadcasting ought to be the same as that of any other public utility or service, namely, to cater for all sections of society regardless of whether there is a massive demand for particular services or whether they are commercially viable. If those criteria were applied to museums, public parks, libraries, playgrounds or football pitches, they would also disappear. It is vital that this legislation protects the central role of public broadcasting.

I welcome the provisions which provide mechanisms to ensure that unsuitable individuals or companies are not licensed. Section 66 sets stringent criteria in regard to content including, in subsection (2)(d), conditions regarding the Irish language and other aspects of Irish culture. However, it would be preferable if the Bill spelt out in concrete terms how this will be implemented, by setting out, for example, the percentage of programming and air time devoted to Irish language broadcasts and the level of Irish produced content.

The Association of Independent Radio Producers of Ireland has welcomed the provision in section 116 for RTE to commission independently produced radio programmes but expresses concern at the level of funding available to ensure the sector will be able to meet any such demand. The association has proposed that 5% of the independent programme account, which equates to some €2 million, should be set aside for the independent radio sector. This seems a reasonable request and is something that could be addressed by way of amendment.

Maidir le TG4, tá gá le cúpla rud a shoileiriú. Molann gach éinne TG4 na laethanta seo, agus is ceart go dtarlaíonn sin, mar tá seirbhís den chéad scoth á chur ar fáil aige, agus é ag déanamh sin faoi choinníollacha deacra. Tá dualgas ar an tAire maoiniú ceart a sholáthar do TG4. Ní leor an cheist sin a fhágáil ag eagras nua nach mbeidh bunaithe i gceart go ceann bliana ar a laghad, mar tá leagtha síos sa Bhille seo.

Caithfear bonn ceart maoinithe a chur faoi TG4 láithreach más rud é go bhfuil an Taoiseach chun gníomhú faoin teanga, seachas bheith ag caint fúithi, agus más mian leis an Rialtas a chruthú go bhfuil sé dáiríre faoin gcur i bhfeidhm a bhfuil sa ráiteas faoin nGaeilge a fhoilsíodh bliain go leith ó shin.

The Minister, like all his predecessors, agrees that TG4 is a huge success, not just in regard to the Irish language but also in terms of the innovation and energy it has brought to public service broadcasting. The public also considers it a success. However, the Minister must also agree that the channel is seriously underfunded. Each of his predecessors acknowledged this to be the case. He has an obligation to address this funding deficit before establishing any new regulatory structure that might take years to deal with it. We have heard a lot from the new Taoiseach about his commitment to the Irish language. The Minister must be grateful that he will have so many allies when he seeks the increased funding that TG4 so badly needs and deserves.

It would be remiss of me not to express my sincere sympathies to the Barr family on the tragic death of Maggie Barr in a car crash in Gweedore yesterday. Maggie was a frequent contributor to various programmes on TG4 and Radio na Gaeltachta. She will be sadly missed by many listeners, not only in my own community of Gweedore but throughout the island. Her son also works for TG4 and RTE.

I welcome the proposal for an Oireachtas channel. There is a need for an increased connection between the public and its elected representatives. I am not sure whether many will tune in to see what goes on in the Houses. The coverage may be listed in the RTE Guide on different days as either comedy, documentary or informative content. On some days it is all three. The proposal for a film channel is also to be welcomed.

Will the Minister consider also establishing an education channel? Significant numbers of people throughout the State struggle with literacy and numeracy problems. Dedicated education channels are available in other countries, including in less developed countries. In some cases, work sheets are delivered to people's home, both in rural communities and urban areas. They can then watch the education channel and fill out their work sheets. Such a service would be just as important if not more important than a film channel or Oireachtas channel.