Rónán Mullen (Independent)

I support the comments made by my colleagues Senators Norris, O'Reilly — who proposed the amendment — and Walsh. I was also in touch with the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland. It seems to be a reasonable proposal. It is a good principle to limit the amount of advertising in any one hour. However, like many principles it can be stretched to an absurdity. It would be an absurdity if quality programming had to take second place to the observance of a particular rule when that rule might have been expressed more flexibly in legislation. This is our opportunity to do so.

Given that the Bill has yet to go to the Dáil, I encourage the Minister to be open to this suggestion. I know the Minister and his officials have given careful consideration to the proposals and I am sure they also heard from the independent broadcasters. I cannot imagine a reason not to make such an amendment and on this basis I support it.