Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister of State for his comments about the Wexford football win. I am sure he meant that the victory of a football team which comes from a ten point deficit with 20 minutes to go deserves to be preserved for posterity. One way of doing this would be to establish either a sports or a heritage channel.

There is merit in what has been said although I understand the Minister of State's point of view. In his Second Stage contribution, Senator Doherty made an interesting point about an educational channel. It would be a pity to limit the remit of public broadcasting. There is a difference between mandating that something be done and setting out an aspirational objective. I ask the Minister of State to consider this option between now and Report Stage. There is unanimity in thinking among Senators on this matter. I suggest that it be considered by the Minister of State and his officials in the meantime. A very compelling point was made. The percentage of the population over 65 is increasing and we should gear our policies, including those on broadcasting, to take account of the changing demographic situation.