John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

I second Senator Bradford's amendment. I did not contribute on Committee Stage. Senator O'Reilly is unavoidably absent today, so I am replacing him, but I agree with the sentiment expressed by Senator Bradford with regard to subtitling. I take a slightly different view, however, as regards what is available in Ireland compared to what is on offer from across the water. The slight amount of television that any politician gets to view might comprise an hour, perhaps, after coming home from some meeting or other. However, I sometimes watch the BBC 3 or BBC 4 channels. The standard of subtitling on their current affairs and documentary programmes is far superior to what is available in this country.

On Committee Stage the Minister said that he hoped he could examine this issue for Report Stage and that it might be possible to insert a provision requiring the broadcasting authority to report on subtitling. This amendment is about trying to formalise the position of subtitling. This is an appropriate time to raise the issue. I hope the Minister can take it on board because the current situation, particularly with regard to live sporting events, but also current affairs, as Senator Bradford has mentioned, is very unsatisfactory. A significant improvement is required as a great many people have viewing difficulties. We have come a long way, and there has been significant improvement. A number of programmes are available now with subtitles.

However, some channels, particular the independent television stations in this country, have very poor subtitling standards and this is an apt provision to insert into the Bill to improve on those.