Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

Quality, especially in communications, is a subjective area. Amendment No. 41 gives clear direction to the broadcasting authority to consider the quality assurance two-year review. This would be taken up by the authority and it would present its analysis. Legislation does not need to be prescriptive to the nth degree. A clear direction to consider the quality issues will lead to a report from the authority on the improvement or lack of performance in quality issues. There is sufficient direction in amendment No. 41 to give the authority direction in this regard, as suggested by Members on the Opposition side of the House on Committee Stage.

The Bill also requires the authority to establish access rules. The requirement of a consultation on quality would have to be taken into account with these rules. It would also be included in any public consultation which the authority would be required to take out in regard to the rules in section 44. Broadcasters must comply with these rules. Inserting the requirement that the quality of services be considered by the authority will trigger different responses which will be included in the consideration of the success, or otherwise, of those rules.