Rónán Mullen (Independent)

Like many Members, I am fan of the notion that coverage of major sports fixtures, including rugby games, should be available free to air. We all recognise the force for social cohesion that is sport. The achievements of our teams in rugby in recent years have provided happy news at a time when we have been badly in need of it. However, I also take seriously the IRFU's claims that if it was to suffer a shortfall in revenue of approximately €10 million, it would not be able to retain top class players in this country. The Government is inclined to cast doubt on this. If it does not believe the shortfall will be that great, it should state, in valuing the cultural potential of broadcasting such fixtures free to air, funding will be provided. Despite our straitened economic circumstances, we should recognise there would be a value to this. I would not like to see top class players leaving the country.

It is often said Irish society was authoritarian in that past, which is true, but sometimes our politics can be authoritarian. When one criticises the Government parties or points to a flaw in their logic, they respond by attacking the messenger. In an interesting debate on child protection yesterday, I was accused by the Minister of State with responsibility for children and youth affairs of uttering dangerous nonsense when all I did was question the disconnect between people feeling understandably outraged about past failures within the church to report abuse cases to the Garda and the Government still failing to grasp the nettle of mandatory reporting.