Rónán Mullen (Independent)

I move amendment No. 22:

In page 42, subsection (1), between lines 27 and 28, to insert the following:

"(d) in the case of sound broadcasting a minimum of not less than 10 per cent of the broadcasting time is devoted to the broadcasting of programmes at people over 65 years,".

Amendments Nos. 22, 82 and 90 are related to the amendments we discussed in the context of establishing a heritage channel insofar as they concern the needs and interests of the section of the community the channel would seek to cater for, namely, older people. Elsewhere the Bill correctly emphasises the need to have regard to children and the nature and quantity of programming aimed at children. This is an important element of the legislation.

If the Bill is to satisfy the requirement of serving the public interest in a consistent manner, we must have regard to the fact that more than 10% of the population are older than 65 years. As Senator Jim Walsh noted, the number of older people is set to increase further. We correctly seek to ensure older people are not discriminated against in any way and encourage their greater participation in society. In the area of voting, older people set an example because they have a developed interest in political life and are civically aware, as reflected in the high proportion of their number who take part in elections and referendums.

In the context of a changing international economic environment and ongoing demographic change everyone is wondering what the future holds in terms of the age of retirement. Issues will arise regarding how best to recognise the significant contribution older people make to society. Will people be required to work until a later retirement age or will we take a civilised approach and allow people to retire at 65 years, while recognising that some people will want to continue an active working life beyond that age? Will we be able to facilitate such an approach and establish a structure which takes account of the different aspirations of older people?

As a reasonably discerning consumer of the media, I am reminded of a line from Yeats's poem, Sailing to Byzantium,

That is no country for old men. The young

In one another's arms . . . .

I have a nasty feeling Senator Norris will correct me.