Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

I thank the Members. The Bill started in the Seanad with a good debate and amendments from Senators O'Reilly, O'Toole and others. It has been a rather long but fruitful process and one hopes it will lead to real benefits. It is an important area and the quality of our broadcasting is crucial to our democracy and to the republic. Sometimes it is difficult for politicians to intervene or to have a say on certain broadcasting matters but this is one of the few chances we have had to do so. I look forward to when the new Broadcasting Authority of Ireland translates our thoughts into real action and higher standards within Irish broadcasting. I also thank my officials for their endless work on this Bill. They have been exemplary.