Marc MacSharry (Fianna Fail)

I support the call by other speakers for an urgent debate on the issue of broadcasting. The Minister, Deputy Rabbitte, announced on "Morning Ireland" this morning his intention to introduce a broadcasting charge based on advice that many people are watching programmes on ipads and so on, in respect of which they are not obliged to pay a licence fee. I invite the Minister to visit parts of north Sligo, north Leitrim and Donegal where the broadband speed is so slow one can hardly open an e-mail much less view television.

As rightly pointed out by Senator Jim Walsh, the programme for Government aimed to protect people struggling with mortgage arrears and the economic downturn but all we have witnessed is increased burdens on households, be it septic tank charges for those in rural Ireland or the household charge. It is now proposed to introduce a broadcasting charge despite that many people throughout the country who own a computer and may be able to access e-mail do not enjoy the type of bandwidth to sustain programme viewing. Of all the stealth taxes introduced, one never expected such a stealth tax from the so-called protector of the workers, namely, the Labour Party which has nothing more than ensure that charge after charge is introduced, thus increasing the burden on struggling families in Ireland.

On the cost of tribunals, I would welcome a debate on the Mahon report as soon as it becomes available. No one in these Houses has exclusivity in terms of aspiring to the highest standards in public office. I recall the lack of debate on the Moriarty tribunal report. It is important to state that Senator Walsh was no less robust in demanding that Fianna Fáil when in Government would ensure the costs of tribunals were reduced.