Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for his earlier comments on some of the amendments before the House. I look forward to the further development of his thoughts on Report Stage. I agree with the remarks of Senators O'Reilly and Mullen on amendment No. 16. I agree that we need to use the national broadcast service — our television and radio channels — for the maximum good. Senator O'Reilly argued convincingly that religion is important for the vast majority of people in this country, contrary to the results of the glib surveys about religious practice and attendance we see from time to time. Religion plays a significant role in the lives of many people on a weekly basis, not just a few days per annum. It is not a question of responding to that market, or catering for it. We should try to ensure that our broadcasting service recognises that the majority of people in this country are interested in religious affairs and responds to their needs. I remember an RTE religious affairs series called "Outlook", which was broadcast many years ago. Many fine religion-based programmes, such as "Would You Believe" have been made in recent times. They foster a broad interpretation of life. We should encourage the production and broadcast of such programmes.

We spoke earlier about the need for this Bill to provide for an Irish language subtitling service. Similarly, this legislation should make a statement about what is important and desirable in respect of religion. We should set out what we feel is good for the body politic and for the country as a whole. We should set aside space on our airwaves for a certain amount for religious broadcasting. That will be very helpful and positive in the long run. I accept that dedicated religious channels are available to many people, given that most households, in this era of Sky Television and digital broadcasting, have access to some type of multichannel television. It is important that we use this legislation, which pertains specifically to Ireland, to ensure that this country's television services reflect the deep interest in religion of many Irish people.

In recent years, the only debate we have had about the link between religion and television or radio has related to the broadcasting of the Angelus. A minority of people have called for the broadcasting of the Angelus to be discontinued. I will not comment on the significance of the minority of people in question, other than to say that I disagree with their analysis. The broadcasting of the Angelus is not a sectarian statement — it is simply a call to reflection. That is positive. The main religious symbol that was associated with the RTE of long ago was St. Brigid's cross. The cross was used as an emblem of the station when its television broadcasts started each morning or afternoon. I think the use of the cross has disappeared. We can live with that.

Senator O'Reilly has outlined a modest and realistic proposal, which is a closer reflection of the thoughts of many people in society than the presentations of some critics. While most people in this country would not describe themselves as particularly religious — they are not the best Christians or Catholics — they try to live positive lives and are happy to participate, to a greater or lesser degree, in religious practices. I would like that to be recognised in this legislation. We have an opportunity to do so. I ask the Minister to reflect on the comments of Senators O'Reilly and Mullen, who made the case for this proposal in a spirit of inclusiveness and tolerance more cogently and convincingly than I have. I ask the Minister to reflect on the purpose of this amendment.