THE leader of the House, Mr Maurice Manning, agreed to discuss making time for a debate on broadcasting with the whips of the other groups. The matter was raised on the order of business by the leader of the Fianna Fail group, Mr G.V. Wright, supported by Mr John Dardis (PD) and Mr Joe O'Toole (Ind).
Mr Wright said the attempt this week by Sky TV to get the contracts for covering all major sporting events was worrying. There was a great fear the ordinary punter could be excluded from watching events such as the Olympic Games, and rugby and soccer international matches could also be affected. While the European Broadcasting Union will retain the status quo until 2008, it was still a matter for concern, he said.
Mr Manning agreed the coverage of sport was a matter of concern for a great number of people.
Mr Michael O'Kennedy (FE) called for a debate on juvenile crime. There had never been an era when the rights of children and parenting skills were under such discussion a time which coincided with a rise in juvenile crime.
He was supported by Mr Willie Farrell (FE) who said prison was not the answer for many juveniles. He suggested they should be put into the Army.