Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am not making a slight on Dublin. To be fair, the gang in question was apprehended by gardaí. One of the reasons gardaí were successful in this case was that they were able to use CCTV to get a visual of the particular van. I fully support any efforts we can make to bring these gangs to justice and to bring an end to this type of crime in our country.

Senator Hopkins complimented those involved with Ballinasloe Tidy Towns. I would be happy to have the Minister come to the House for a debate on the waste mentioned by the Senator. We need to highlight and keep on top of this important issue.

I join Senator Devine in congratulating all Members of the House who were involved in today's launch of Vótáil 100. I thank the Cathaoirleach for participating in that event. I compliment Senators Devine and McFadden along with Senator Bacik, who is the chair of Vótáil 100. It is an important year of celebration. Equally, it is critical that we support the Pearl of Wisdom cervical cancer campaign, which enables women to be screened and highlights and promulgates the importance of screening. Those who make comments otherwise about vaccinations and screening should reflect on the prevalence of cancer in our society. I think the Pearl of Wisdom campaign is worthy and deserving of our support. I am not sure what the rules of the House are regarding the wearing of emblems, but I certainly join Senator Devine in supporting this campaign. Senator Norris raised the issue of his meeting with RTÉ. As I said in reply to a question on the Order of Business last Thursday, I met with the RTÉ representatives and they were due to meet the Cathaoirleach today, if I remember correctly, or perhaps later this week. Senator Norris has raised the issue of the "Oireachtas Report" programme being reduced or eliminated. There are three parts to the discussion we should have on the coverage of the Houses of the Oireachtas. I agree with Senator Norris that the type of programme in question is critically important. In its current format, "Oireachtas Report" is not an appetising programme for many, not least because of the change in its scheduling. The second issue is the format and the third is that some believe such coverage is irrelevant to their lives. I understand that RTÉ is moving to an online model, which is where many people now access news and political coverage, often through using an iPhone, iPad or another device. The matter is probably beyond my remit and it is up to the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission or the Ceann Comhairle and Cathaoirleach and others to ensure there is fair, balanced and reasonable coverage of Oireachtas proceedings. That matter can be taken up with RTÉ. We, as Senators, cannot put our heads in the sand and say that everything we do is perfect because it is not but there is a duty on RTÉ as a public service broadcaster to cover proceedings in the Oireachtas. There is a movement away from the traditional forms of communication and coverage of news of which we, as politicians, possibly should be more aware.