Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

-----for telling her story, which must have been difficult for her. True leadership is shown by example. She did herself proud last weekend.

I wish to raise an issue that has come to my attention in recent days, namely, the RTE drama, ?Love/Hate?, and the absolute violence depicted on the programme. I understand that in last Sunday week?s episode a woman was brutally raped and the perpetrator was kicked to death. In last Sunday?s episode two people were murdered in cold blood. It is not for me to say whether it is correct or appropriate that taxpayers? money would be spent on funding such a programme but every now and then it is probably a good idea to have a debate in the Houses of the Oireachtas on standards in the media. There is a school of thought that maintains that such dramas are appropriate because they reflect life in the cities of this country. Others believe that teenagers aged from 12 to 15 are still up after the "Nine O'Clock News" and watch such programmes and will be influenced by them. There is a fine line to be drawn. I accept it is difficult to strike a balance. The programme could serve the purpose of precipitating a debate on such an issue and for us to try to establish what is appropriate. While I commend those in RTE, who by and large do a good job, it is appropriate that we would have a debate on media standards in particular in drama.