Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

I also point to the requirement in section 96(5) for TG4 to endeavour to ensure that the members of the audience council of TG4 are proficient in the Irish language. Senator O'Toole presented a good case for amendments Nos. 89a and a90a. There is merit in what the Senator is proposing and as such I will speak to the Minister, Deputy Ryan, with a view to amending section 101 on Report Stage.

In respect of amendment No. 90b, the annual statement of commitments mechanism outlined in section 102 is intended as an annual and more detailed elaboration of commitments made by public service broadcasters in a public service broadcasting charter under section 102. As a consequence the issues raised by Senator O'Toole are perhaps best addressed in the context of the review of the text of section 101. Therefore I do not propose to accept this amendment.

Regarding amendment 93a, section 106(6) provides that TG4 and RTE may offer terms benefiting advertisers who use the Irish language in their advertisements. I believe this is the best means of encouraging advertising in Irish on TG4 and therefore I do not propose to accept this amendment. As regards amendment No. a96a, sections 114(1)(b) and 118(1)(b) for the first time permit both RTE and TG4 to expend public moneys on the maintenance of their websites reflecting the converging nature of broadcasting and information technologies. RTE already provides Irish language content on its website in respect of its Irish language broadcasting output, in particular the Nuacht on RTE and Raidió na Gaeltachta. Therefore I do not propose to accept this amendment.

In respect of amendment 96b, section 114(3) already requires that RTE must provide "a comprehensive range of programmes in the Irish and English languages". Therefore I do not propose to accept this amendment. As regards amendments 100a and 100b, section 118(3)(a) already requires that TG4 must provide "a comprehensive range of programmes, primarily in the Irish language". Therefore I do not propose to accept this amendment.

In respect of amendment 104a, section 127 proposes the establishment of the Irish film channel primarily as a mechanism for showcasing the existing archive of Irish film works. This channel in its own right will not be funding the production of films, this being a matter falling within the ambit of the Irish Film Board. While I do not propose to accept the Senator's amendment as tabled, I propose to consider before Report Stage whether an amendment might be made to the text of the section referencing the potential to broadcast films in the Irish language where such film works are available. The point was well made and I would be happy to discuss the matter with the Minister, Deputy Ryan.