Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Third, the type of programme "Oireachtas Report" is should be changed. I ask Members to watch BBC's coverage of the British Houses of Parliament and the Stormont Assembly. It is a magazine-type programme. Mr. Andrew Neil's programme on BBC is much better and better reflects the views expressed in the Houses of Parliament and the Stormont Assembly. This is something RTE should consider.

Senators Kevin Humphreys and Pádraig Mac Lochlainn proposed an amendment to the Order of Business. I would wish all Senators to be involved in the committee, but it is welcome that some of them will be appointed to it. It is extraordinary that Sinn Féin Senators are protesting about not being included in the committee, when they did not support the inclusion of Senators from across the House in the all-party health committee. They must reflect on their own position. I regret the fact that not all parties represented in the House have been included, but the Minister's motivation is honourable. He has spoken to Members on all sides of the House and wants every group - parties, Independents and aligned groups - to be represented on the committee. He has appointed an eminent and fine Chairman, whom I wish well. He will be impartial and fair. It is an important committee and the fact that a Seanadóir will be its Chairman will give it status.