Shane Cassells (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I want to speak on this point and what was said in the previous debate. I accept what Senator Higgins is trying to do. She touched on a number of issues. The Future of Media Commission held extensive debates on this and I participated in them. They were about making sure broadcasters reflect on content. There were debates on gender, the visibility of disabled people and how children are protected. There was a special half-day discussion on this point alone. The Senator is trying to enshrine it in legislation. The Future of Media Commission was trying to ensure its reflection through a carrot approach rather than a stick approach. As Senator Higgins quite rightly acknowledged, when it was assessed and a review was done it was found there are certain areas where improvements need to be made in Irish media but on the whole it is quite good. I want to make this interjection to note there was quite an extensive debate during the discussions. It should also be reflected.