Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 1:

In page 55, line 11, to delete "prevalent" and substitute "present".

I welcome the Minister, Deputy Richard Bruton, back to the Seanad. We were all wondering this morning which Ministers might attend the various debates.
One might say it is a case of nitpicking to choose the word "prevalent" over "present", but it is an important distinction to make. It is interesting to look at the definition of "prevalent". One of the dictionaries I consulted included the definition "having the superiority or ascendancy". I am sure there might be legal connotations to the word "prevalent" as opposed to "present". What is at issue is the diversity of content in media. We all share concerns, including the Minister, about the convergence of media. I have even heard stories in the local media about more mergers and more local radio and television stations being taken over by larger companies. We find that a number of players are taking over the media industry. Diversity of content is extremely important in the circumstances, which is why we believe it would be better to refer to the broad diversity of views, including views on news, current affairs and cultural interests, that is "present". It would copperfasten the concerns of smaller groups in society, including those who believe they do not receive recognition.
There was an interesting petition before the Joint Committee on Public Service Oversight and Petitions on an issue like this. I understand RTE is considering conducting its own diversity consultation process on how it should approach the issue as a national broadcaster. It might seem like a small amendment to make, but it would have far-reaching ramifications. We are all aware of how diverse Irish culture has become in recent years. If media moguls need only take cognisance of the prevalent cultural interest, they will take notice only of the superior or ascendant views, which are the views of those in power and the majority. That is not acceptable. Therefore, I ask that this minor amendment be taken on board in the spirit in which it is put forward to ensure we would have full diversity in the media and would not exclude minority groups in the definition of "diversity of content".