Rónán Mullen (Independent)

Apologies. Glaofaimid "daoine uaisle" orthu. Is léir go bhfuil daoine ag staideanna difriúla ag aoiseanna difriúla. The only reason I chose the age of 65 was that it is the normal retirement age. Senator Paul Bradford very generously acknowledged the general truth we all know that as people grow older, their tastes change and that as they move towards retirement, they have different uses for their time and for many of them, television will be part of that. The more active people are, perhaps the less part television will play.

I do not find the distinction persuasive. I do not believe anyone would disagree that the heritage channel would reach a wider section of the population, which would appreciate what it would provide, than the Houses of the Oireachtas channel or the Irish film channel, welcome as they are. It is our right and duty to legislate for specifics and not to leave them to other bodies which are beyond our direct control to make the decisions we know need to be made. Will the Minister reconsider this over the summer break?