Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

Amendments Nos. 22, 82 and 90 seek to set out specific requirements for programming aimed at those over the age of 65. In particular, they will require broadcasters to ensure that a minimum of 10% of programming is devoted to people over that age. Under these amendments, the broadcasting authority of Ireland will have to consider the needs of over 65s when it is awarding contracts in areas in which 10% or more of the population is in that age bracket. When RTE is drafting its public service charter, these amendments will require it to provide commitments in relation to the nature and number of hours per year of television programming aimed at people over the age of 65. RTE is currently required to appeal to a wide audience. If it did not appeal to a wide audience, it would not survive. A great deal of criticism would be expressed in such circumstances. RTE is required to provide commitments in respect of the amount of children's programming it makes each year. This ensures that adequate suitable programming of an educational and general entertainment nature is available to children in their formative years. Over the years, RTE has been careful to provide a wide variety of programming, including programmes relating to current affairs, sports, nostalgia, music and history, as well as chat shows, films, soap operas and speciality programmes, to suit people in all other specific age groups. This wide variety of programming offers all viewers a choice. Therefore, I am not convinced that additional commitments are necessary in respect of adults over the age of 65.

When commercial broadcast contacts are being awarded, there is merit in ensuring that applicant broadcasters will cater for the needs of all members of the community. I consider that there is sufficient scope in the current Bill to provide for this. Section 66(2) outlines the matters to be considered by the contract awards committee when awarding a contract. Section 66(2)(c) provides that the committee must consider "the quality, range and type of the programmes proposed to be provided by each applicant or, if there is only one applicant, by that applicant". Section 66(2)(f) provides that the committee must consider "the desirability of having a diversity of services in the area specified in the notice catering for a wide range of tastes including those of minority interests". I have no difficulty in accepting the spirit of these amendments. However, I am confident that these proposals are already catered for in the Bill. For that reason, I cannot accept the proposed amendments.