Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire. I am glad these statements are taking place. In fact, we should probably have them more often in view of the power of the broadcasting media. Broadcasting by its nature is constantly changing. In a very short period we saw how RTE, or Radio Éireann, RE, moved from being accommodated in a number of small offices in Henry Street to where it is today. Consider, also, the extra television stations that have been established as well as the local radio stations.

We have seen a vast change but the change is happening so quickly that we do not get a chance to interact with it and make our views known. When the RTE television service first started there was huge interest among the public and huge debate. Many lobby groups and organisations were able to hold meetings and protests, and make submissions and critiques. To some extent we have lost that enthusiasm and emotion. It is always important to be able to make our point, even if the media does not carry it. At least we are interacting with the community itself. That was a very healthy situation in the early days of RTE's television broadcasting.

It is also important to point out that RTE is doing a wonderful job. It is exceptionally professional and I accept Senator O'Toole's point that it is doing its job on a relatively small budget. One can see value for money in that regard. On the other hand, however, there are not many opportunities for the public to make its views known. I accept one can write letters; I recall a statistic being quoted at one time to the effect that one letter was equivalent to the views of 10,000 people, although I forget the exact statistic. I also accept that an unorchestrated letter can carry much weight. However, a greater forum is required to give the public an input. The reason is that, at times, and particularly in current affairs programmes, a line has been crossed. The political agendas come across too strongly. That is true of even individual political agendas which one can watch on various current affairs programmes. That does no credit to the service itself. In the long term it will diminish the respect and credibility which that service should command. Some people have almost become a power unto themselves, forgetting the huge advantage and privilege which they have in their job of being able to communicate with large numbers of people. That comment is not made from a particular political perspective but as a general point. There must be an antidote to balance that so the public who feel strongly about issues will be able to respond.

One of the greatest adventures I have seen in the broadcasting world has been TG4. I salute Deputy Michael D. Higgins, who was Minister when it started. Many people felt the station had no future but today it is a particularly professional television service, not just in terms of the language but also the programmes generally, the documentaries, sports coverage, young vibrant presenters and so forth. That is what I thought RTE 1 would become some time. It has given us a fair amount of that but it lost its way to an extent.

I salute RTE, particularly RTE radio, with regard to traditional music. Historically, RTE radio was to the forefront in the revival and promotion of Irish traditional music. I made that point at the joint committee. The interesting issue is that one can see the results of its work in this area. RTE should continue to be a pioneer in enthusing people about particular issues. It should not promote negativity non-stop but send out a positive message. Never was that more important than at present. Until very recently, I do not believe most of the media, particularly the broadcast media, played a significantly positive role in lifting the spirits of the people in the middle of a recession. However, local radio did play that role. It has been particularly non-partisan in its work. It has reflected the aspirations, ambitions and the challenges of the local community, so much so that the local community identifies with its local radio in the same way as with its local newspaper. I would much prefer if they would also identify with their national public broadcasting service, RTE, which deserves it. It was the pioneer with the people who provided the structures. It would be a pity if that became diluted because people feel they have a platform at their disposal. I refer to presenters and producers, and of course I am generalising a small bit. However, I ask them to reflect a little on the manner in which the line is being crossed. Overall we have much of which to be proud, but for that reason we have much to protect at the same time.