Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

Aontaím go hiomlán leis an méid atá ráite ag na Seanadóirí ar an dtaobh eile mar gheall ar chúrsaí spóirt, traidisiúnta agus cultúrtha.

In the area of Irish culture and music, local radio has played a very important role, along with TG4. RTE and TV3 have not been as proficient in that respect as we would like. I am unsure as to whether we need to be prescriptive in legislation.

With regard to sport, all the broadcasting media — radio and television — deserve mention. I note RTE and particularly TV3 for moving into the area of our national games. That station has provided an innovation in placing the camera on the opposite side of the pitch from the main stand, which brings another dimension to showing games. I presume RTE will follow in time. The stations should be commended on their coverage of sport, in which there is a wide interest.

To go back to the earlier comments regarding advertising and the problems in this regard with the drinks industry, the more we promote sport on television, the better we will advocate it to our young people.

With regard to criteria for board membership, the arts, music and culture make up one area which would qualify people for being members of the board. I am inclined to agree with Senator Doherty that sport should be also included, particularly given our interest as a people in all codes of sport. Perhaps the Minister of State might consider the matter.