Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

My question relates to the contributions by Senators D'Arcy and Mullen whose views I share. I have consistently supported the concept of public service broadcasting inside and outside the House because I have seen at first hand the team of dedicated and committed journalists who have brought forward great investigative stories. Senator D'Arcy is correct that it is not in RTE's interest to go down the road of an internal inquiry. Pandora's box has been opened, whether RTE knows it or not. We are in a different environment where serious questions are being raised about the integrity, objectivity and impartiality of the only public service broadcasting corporation in the island. RTE has a special place in the hearts of the people. They may wish to criticise it but they will also stoutly defend it. One has only to look at the list of TAM rated programmes. RTE radio and television programmes which people listen to and watch are consistently home produced. Therefore RTE has an important place. It is rather like the BBC in that if it is on RTE, it must be true.