Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

I thank Senators for their contributions and in particular Senator Mullen for his Italian and French translations. On his Italian comments which come I understand from Cardinal Martini, I too would like to see programming which encourages thinking, creativity, curiosity and wonder. However, I do not believe this is achieved by mandatory quotas. I disagree with the proposal in this regard as contained in amendment No. 16 and earlier amendments.

Section 114(3)(a) sets out that RTE must provide a comprehensive range of programmes in the Irish and English languages that reflect the cultural diversity of the whole island of Ireland and include programmes that entertain, inform and educate, provide coverage of sporting, religious and cultural activities and cater for the expectations of communities with special or minority interests and which in every case respect human dignity. I believe this provides direction for any programme maker that fulfils his or her criteria of supporting thinking programming.