Broadcast coverage of Seanad debates
Senator Norris complained that RTÉ, newspapers and Oireachtas Report failed to cover the previous night’s Seanad debate on CETA and TTIP. The Chair said the debate could not be reopened, but Norris argued the House’s proceedings were being ignored and that this was a dereliction of duty.
I raise the matter of coverage of the Oireachtas by the media. RTE, as a public service broadcaster, has a responsibility to cover and report on issues of national significance. Last night in this Chamber we had an excellent debate on the CETA and the TTIP, two international trade agreements the terms of which were negotiated secretly. The public of Europe were kept away from the negotiations and their views were not entertained. Under the proposed agreements, the direction of policy will largely be handed over to multinational corporations, which is a matter of concern. I highlighted two items yesterday. One was about Argentina where a subsidiary of Enron was secured to provide water services. The company, however, provided filthy, undrinkable water at outrageous prices. When the Argentinian Government took action to reduce the price and produce drinkable water for its citizens, the court held against it and fined it millions of pounds. In the case of Slovakia the public interest and the public good were held to be less significant than the profits of a company. What standard of morality is this? The motion was tabled by Senator Alice-Mary Higgins and it was a very passionate debate.
Comment on this
As the father of the House, the Senator knows well that we cannot reopen last night's debate.
Comment on this
I am talking about the coverage of it. This morning no newspaper covered it and it was not covered on "Oireachtas Report".
Comment on this
It is very relevant and the Leas-Chathaoirleach should take an interest in the broadcasting of the proceedings of this House. There was not one single mention of Seanad Éireann in the whole of "Oireachtas Report". It might as well not have existed. It was an evening on which there was a fantastic debate and the Government was defeated. The motion was passed, despite the resistance of the Government. If that is not worth covering, I do not know what is.
Comment on this
This is a dereliction of duty on the part of the media. There was a Senator on "The Late Debate" and he did not even mention it, despite the fact that he had taken part in the debate and knew all about it. What is happening to the coverage of Seanad Éireann by the broadcast and print media?