Marc MacSharry (Fianna Fail)

It is highly regrettable that "Oireachtas Report" will not be broadcast this week. This underlines, once again, the disdain and contempt in which the mainstream media hold the actions of this House. In advance of any referendum, they seem to have decided the Seanad will be abolished and have the gall to claim that proceedings in the House are simply not newsworthy. It is the news editors of Pat Kenny's shows, other RTE programmes and other mainstream media who determine the news. How dare they take this view when such important issues are being debated in this House today and tomorrow? They are showing contempt not only for us but also for the Irish people by denying them the right to know what is happening in the House.