Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

I, too, support the amendments in a general fashion. In particular, the issue of the heritage channel has been discussed previously on Second and Committee Stages. It would allow an opportunity for production and for film-makers to respond to an obviously growing market.

Frequently, we debate the promotion of the Irish language and the way it is taught at school level. We remark often that while the language, as a subject, does not appear to be as strong as it should be, all the aspects surrounding it such as culture, heritage and history are going from strength to strength. There is considerable, ongoing and increased public interest in Irish heritage and culture. I am one of those who feel that if there was a subject of Irish heritage or Irish culture on the curriculum, it would be a great success. However, that is a matter for another debate on another day.

The concept of a heritage channel would allow much fresh thinking to come to the fore. Often we hear of the need to respond to the marketplace. Broadcasting should not always be about the marketplace, but in my view there is a market for this type of channel. The Minister spoke eloquently previously about his thoughts as to how the film channel could be developed, and I hope he would be prepared to give the same sort of thinking and space to the possibility of a heritage channel because there is a need for it.

On the question of broadcasting provisions and programming for people over 65, I was impressed with the initial contribution of Senator Mullen but, in the typical political view of matters on the one hand and on the other hand, I was also impressed with Senator O'Toole.