Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

Senator Mullen is happy with the support he has received for this amendment. However, all good things must come to an end. He referred to how we tend to forget people in nursing homes. My one criticism is that those in nursing homes do not have enough stimulation and become bored which affects their health.

Senators referred to the various television and radio programmes they enjoy. The other day I heard a radio interview with Jimmy Magee shortly after he buried his son. For anyone coping with a serious illness or had just lost a loved one, the interview would have given them tremendous hope. I thank Rachel English and Jimmy Magee for that worthwhile and uplifting interview.

The amendment proposes the establishment of a heritage channel by RTE to be used solely for programming relating to Irish heritage and culture. Sections 114 and 118 set out the objectives of RTE and TG4, respectively, and requires them to provide for programming relating to Irish heritage and culture. They are required to be responsive to the interests and concerns of the whole community. The programmes must reflect the varied elements which make up the culture of the people of the whole island of Ireland, having special regard to the elements which distinguish that culture, and for the Irish language. They are required to provide a comprehensive range of programming in the Irish and English languages which reflect the cultural diversity of the whole island. They are to include programmes which entertain, inform and educate and provide coverage of sporting, religious and cultural activities, facilitate or assist contemporary cultural expression.

Section 114 provides that RTE shall establish and maintain orchestras, choirs and other cultural performing groups. RTE shall also establish and maintain archives and libraries. A broadcasting funding scheme is provided for in section 153 for the funding of programmes on Irish culture, heritage and history, folklore, the natural environment, folk, rural and thevernacular heritage, the arts, the Irish language and the Irish experience abroad.

The Bill, as drafted, provides for the development of sufficient programming related to Irish heritage and culture. RTE is allowed to establish new channels, subject to ministerial approval and the availability of funding. The Bill provides for the establishment of an Irish film channel. It was proposed by the Irish Film Board which will have to provide its funding. No case has been made by a public body for a heritage channel.

It is anticipated the Houses of the Oireachtas channel will be allowed to show coverage of local authority meetings. The proceedings of meetings of a number of local authorities are already broadcast via their own websites. The Bill provides that meetings of local authorities may be included as part of the output of the Oireachtas channel and this would be welcomed by us all.

I note Senator Jim Walsh from Wexford referred to Wexford's biggest win in Croke Park in a long time and he is in favour of a GAA channel. I suppose this is understandable and we will excuse him on this occasion. I cannot accept the amendments as tabled by Senator Mullen even though I have a lot of sympathy for the strong case made by the Senator.

I refer to Government amendment No. 18 which is a minor drafting amendment, necessary to improve the clarity of the text of the Bill.