John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)

I ask the Leader for a debate on the media. I am very conscious that there is a misrepresentation in certain sections of the media at the moment as regards the severity of the situation in this country. I am thinking in particular of Vincent Browne's programme last night, referred to earlier in the House, where a debt of €300 billion plus was suggested for the banks. There were extreme statements by people referring to bonds that were raised and assets backed by mortgages, when the reality is that 97% of mortgages are being repaid and members of the public in general are adamant that these mortgages must be repaid if people are to have a roof over their head.

To put some realism into the argument, there is a severe difficulty, but yet we need people to be responsible. In asking the media to be responsible, it is not unfair to expect them to measure and give a realistic assessment of the situation, that they may be known for the realism of their content rather than its extremity. While the situation is serious, the four-year plan should see us through. The reality is that many positive things are happening in the economy. Exports are up, we have access to a 500 million market and Ireland is part of a single currency. We have support from Europe, but sensational stories about a €350 billion shortfall in our banks will not help anybody. In fact it is counter-productive. I understand that the media, like all of us, will have their particular preferences. Unfortunately, I noticed that the Oireachtas report on three occasions in the last week only gave the Opposition viewpoint, along with a contribution from one Member from the Green Party. While I concede that the Opposition has much to say, perhaps there are other people on this side of the House too who have a contribution to make. On Tuesday, Thursday and last night only one Green Party Member was shown on the Government side and all other coverage was confined to the Opposition.

I am certain the Opposition would like to see fairness in this area and I ask RTE to measure what it puts out in the Oireachtas report on the public airways.