Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

On amendment No. 13, to give some specific details on the realisation of targets, RTE's subtitling coverage in 2007 was some 6,320 hours and it has given commitments, published in its statement of commitments for 2008, to increase this figure to 6,700 hours, subtitle coverage in all news, current affairs and main weather forecasts on RTE 1 and RTE 2, increase subtitling in children's programming and ensure all GAA coverage is subtitled in 2008.

I noted the contributions of Senator Bradford and others. The key issue in subtitling is quality rather than quantity. Perhaps it will be possible to insert a clause in the provision requiring the broadcasting authority of Ireland to report on subtitling to have it assess the quality of subtitling as well as the number of hours of subtitled broadcasts. This may take into account Senator Bradford's concerns regarding the current system.

The section clearly states that it is a broad goal of the BAI to "facilitate the development of Irish language programming and broadcasting services". I am reluctant to accept amendments which would specify means, including mandatory quotas, by which one would achieve this objective. Other sections of the Bill expand on how the Department is progressing a number of practical measures aimed at achieving this goal. For example, the decision to increase TG4's budget by 15% at a time of tight budgetary restrictions was an indication from the Government that we take seriously the development of Irish language programming.

I agree that Irish language programmes are often of an international standard. I attended the launch of the latest round of the Aifric series of programmes which was made with funding from the Sound and Vision scheme. This was superb programming which stood up to comparison with programmes in any other language, including English, French, German and Spanish.

The Bill will include provisions making available specific funding from the broadcasting fund to allow commercial community broadcasters to fund off-peak Irish language programming. This is an example of a practical step. The amendment, on the other hand, gives the authority a broad aspirational function. I am satisfied the current wording is appropriate and on that basis I cannot accept amendments Nos. 14 to 16, inclusive. One must bear in mind the statement in section 25 that the BAI shall endeavour to ensure "that the number and categories of broadcasting services made available in the State by virtue of this Act best serve the needs of the people of the island of Ireland, bearing in mind their languages and traditions and their religious, ethnic and cultural diversity". Furthermore, section 25(2)(e) requires the BAI to facilitate the development of Irish language programming.

With regard to Deputy Hannigan's point on the protection of children, the subject of amendment No. 15, section 42(2) and 42(4) require the BAI to develop codes that protect the physical, moral and mental development of children, which protect the general and health interests of children in the context of advertising and which allow for the prohibition of certain types of advertising aimed at children. There are provisions in this Bill for such measures and on that basis I am reluctant to accept amendments to this section.