Martin Brady (Fianna Fail)

I agree with some of the points made by Senator Alex White, particularly with regard to responsibility. In any business, whether it be broadcasting or anything else, if one's name is over the door, one is responsible. Those in charge in television or radio stations should have the necessary qualifications and should be of the required calibre to make decisions that are correct and proper at a particular time.

Senators Ó Murchú and O'Reilly referred to religious broadcasting. A number of years ago, United Christian Broadcasting, UCB, was beaming into this country. It did a very good job and contributed to the peace process in Northern Ireland. The company sought a licence but was refused. I see nothing wrong with religious advertising or broadcasting of the Angelus. Many people still believe that religion stabilises society and I am one such person.

Many contributors referred to comedians and other entertainers appearing on television programmes and Senator Boyle made the point that adults should be able to make decisions on such programmes. However, we all know that in most homes now there is a television in every room. Children are often watching different programmes from the ones being watched by their parents. Some time ago a comedian appeared on "The Late Late Show" and gave an explicit account of how he had performed sexually the previous night, including referring to putting chocolate on bodies and so forth. Who wants to listen to that? I do not see anything funny about that.

RTE and TnaG do a good job, by and large, and the broadcasters we have are as good as one will get in any part of the world. However, while I do not wish to cast aspersions on all broadcasters, I have had complaints from business people regarding the behaviour of some, particularly those who work for the national station. Some such people have their own production companies and are selling television or radio programmes to the national broadcaster, which is not a good idea. However, I am not saying they are doing anything wrong.

In other situations, broadcasters do work outside their normal jobs, for example, opening shops or restaurants, for which they receive payment. It has been pointed out to me by people in similar businesses that this is unfair and uncompetitive because they cannot afford to pay so-called appearance fees to such people. Furthermore, the broadcasters often refer, at a later stage, to the beautiful restaurant or shop that they visited recently, thus providing such businesses with free publicity. This is something that should be examined if we are to apply standards across the broadcasting arena. There is potential here for a conflict of interest, although I stress I am not accusing anybody of same.

Occasionally on radio programmes presenters refer to text or telephone messages received, but they do not give names or an indication of identity of the sender or caller. In some instances, the contents of such messages could destroy people's characters or businesses and do a lot of damage. This is something which must be examined because it is potentially very serious.

Reference was made to the sports department in RTE, which provides excellent sports coverage. Two of our greatest sports people work in that department, namely Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh and Jimmy Magee. The latter is a legend who has a great knowledge of all sports, including car racing, horse racing, boxing, polo, rowing and so forth. His knowledge of sport is unbelievable and it is probably safe to say he is one of the best commentators in the world.

Senator Ó Murchú said that sometimes politicians are afraid to speak about the media and those involved in broadcasting because we believe if we speak in a negative way about them, they will come down on us, will not give us coverage or will do us damage. I agree with that point because it has been said to me that one should watch what one says about RTE, Newstalk and so forth because they might not do one any favours in the future or might even dig up something on one. I have been told to be very careful in that regard.

On the issue of entertainers and comedians, to which I referred, it is outrageous that comedians insist on imitating people with disabilities, cripples and so forth. It is not acceptable and it is not funny, particularly for those with disabilities and their families. Senator Alex White made the point that what is offensive to one person might not be offensive to another, which is true. I am not particularly sensitive and neither is a number of Senators, but the comedy to which I refer goes a step further than sensitivity. It is degrading, demoralising and far more than simply offensive. It is akin to what was said in Hitler's time, that anyone who has a disability should be shot, that they do not belong in this world.