Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Senators for their contributions. I made the point that there is a lot of merit in what Senator Mullen proposes and I note the support he has received. I do not disagree entirely with the content of the argument.

We discussed this proposal in some detail previously and it was the general view that the Bill as drafted provided for the development of sufficient programming relating to Irish heritage without having to include in it a special channel dealing with Irish heritage. The second point is there is nothing to stop RTE from proposing a heritage channel. For the first time, this Bill allows for RTE to establish channels if it sees fit. The Bill gives certain powers to the joint Oireachtas committees and they will be in a much stronger position. I will reflect on what has been said but I will not give the Senator any promise that I will return on Report Stage with something different. I will discuss the matter with the Minister, Deputy Ryan. I cannot give the Senator any guarantee that we will change anything but I see merit in the points he has made.