Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

The Minister, Deputy Shatter, has indicated in the other House that some Army barracks will be closed imminently. Senators will be aware that the closure of rural Garda stations is on the agenda. I understand it has already been decided that stations where just one member is serving will be closed. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the Minister and the Garda authorities are considering the closure of other rural Garda stations on the basis of what is called operational activity. I ask the Leader to attempt to establish or clarify the exact position. Perhaps that can be done the next time the Minister for Justice and Equality comes to the House. Senator Leyden spoke yesterday in the context of the imminent closure of Boyle courthouse. The wholesale closure of services across rural Ireland will have a devastating effect on local economies. The distances between the remaining Garda stations in which members will be located will be so large that it will be almost impossible for the Garda authorities to properly monitor areas of wide dispersal, like my own county of Leitrim, and ensure people are safe in their own houses. It is a very real concern.

Does the Leader know whether the party Whips in both Houses ever meet representatives of the news and current affairs department of RTE to discuss the coverage of Oireachtas proceedings? Perhaps he can get back to the House with an answer to that question. I am sure all of us will agree that we owe a debt of gratitude to RTE for the manner in which it carries out its work. In fairness to RTE, "Oireachtas Report" reflects the work of both Houses. The absence of any coverage of the Seanad in the printed media, with the honourable exception of The Irish Times, reflects badly on this House. I do not wish to go into the questions that have arisen about balance, fairness and objectivity. I understand that traditionally, the party Whips met RTE officials on a regular basis to ensure both sides were ad idem in terms of how the coverage was carried out. Perhaps the Leader might comment on that or inquire into it. If there have not been any meetings, does he agree that such meetings should take place? Perhaps a regular schedule of meetings could be set up between the RTE authorities and the Whips of the parties in this House and the other House.