Paul Bradford (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I support the proposal made by Senator Ivana Bacik that we be given an opportunity to discuss, preferably with the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Alex White, the issue of media ownership and media dominance. Most of us in this House were reared in an era in which we had access to the Irish Press, Irish Independentand the RTE radio and television channels. Whether there was truth in the news or otherwise, is was fair and balanced and people knew what was behind the various editorial policies. We are now at a stage where a certain degree of media dominance is beginning to cause difficulty. That is why we need to hear from the Minister and have an opportunity to contribute to the debate. It is important to be aware, however, that should he decide to introduce restrictions, unless they could be applied retrospectively, they would not only be unhelpful but would probably copperfasten the current unsatisfactory position. The need for a debate arises not only from recent events but in the light of trends in recent years. These trends must cause concern for all of us who believe a fair, balanced and open press is necessary as part of a fair and open democracy.

On a lighter note, I listened with interest to the calls made by Senators Catherine Noone and Feargal Quinn to abolish one and two cent coins. We will shortly have a debate on the Yeats2015 initiative. I am sure the poet who wrote about "add[ing] the halfpence to the pence" would not share the views of the two Senators of our currency.