Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I was going to raise the issue of Cork also getting no all-stars, but I think I will that for another day.

We need to talk about the important issue of our national broadcaster and the role it plays in society. I reference this in the context of the appointment of Brian O'Donovan as work and technology correspondent, which I welcome. He has done fantastic work in the UK and the US and he is now coming home. To have a vacancy in the national broadcasting service for an agriculture correspondent is appalling. Agriculture is a really important part of our economy and society. It is an important part of what we do as an entity. For the national broadcaster to allow that role to remain vacant is a disgrace. Fran McNulty was in that role, but he moved to RTÉ "Prime Time" in recent few months. That role is still vacant this morning. Are we serious about having balanced debate about agriculture and informing the public and about promoting agriculture as an industry in order that young farmers will get involved? If we are, the national broadcaster, which is funded by the Houses of the Oireachtas, should have a balanced approached to it. The appointment of an agriculture correspondent is a step in that direction. Never before has the national broadcaster, which is a part of our society, left that vacancy open for so long. With the announcement yesterday of the appointment of a correspondent for work and technology, I assumed there would be follow-on in the appointment of an agricultural correspondent, but, again it has not happened.

I ask the Leader to use her good offices to get involved in this debate. We need a balanced debate and a national broadcaster that works with all sections of society. An appointment to that role would be a start.