Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

I concur with the Senator fully. Reverting to a previous point, the channel will be a way through which to communicate with people directly. Many people watch Question Time in the Dáil when it is broadcasted and comment to us afterwards. Where a message is dressed up and mixed with other matters when presented to the public through the general media, it is important that people see the debates and hear what is stated at first hand and are exposed to what is occurring at local government level. Undermining democracy would have serious consequences for society. During the past six months or longer, Senator O'Toole spoke eloquently, strongly and passionately in this regard. As participants, it is easy for us to be seen as protecting our own patches, but a healthy democracy that is subject to all necessary scrutiny while not being undermined for commercial or personal reasons is essential for society. The more direct exposure that people get, the more they can form independent opinions.