John Whelan (Labour) | Oireachtas source

My question pertains to media control and ownership because without a strong, independent and robust media, these situations would never be challenged or exposed. A documentary on RTE last night dealt with the question of the future of television. Will programmes only be made on the basis of who can sponsor or pay for them? Will it be a case of he who pays the piper calls the tune? That would be dangerous. I am concerned by what is not printed as opposed to what is, and what is prevented from getting into print should concern us all. The mighty BBC has again been brought into disrepute this week because of what it failed to publish regarding the Jimmy Savile saga. We have been talking about legislation in this area for the past two years. The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has indicated over and over again that the responsibility for media ownership and control will be transferred to his Department from the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and the question of media diversity, control and ownership will be addressed in legislation. When can we expect to see this?