Delegation to examine Oireachtas TV channel feasibility

TDs and Senators are travelling to Westminster next month to investigate the feasibility of establishing a dedicated Oireachtas TV channel.

A delegation from the 24-member Joint Administration Committee is to study the operation of the BBC Parliament channel which broadcasts live proceedings from the House of Commons.

The issue was referred to the Committee by the Taoiseach who suggested in November that coverage of the Dáil and Seanad and Oireachtas Committees could replace the current “rubbish” on the TV schedules.

The high-powered Administration Committee includes Government Chief Whip Tom Kitt, Seanad leader Donie Cassidy and Seanad Leas Cathaoirleach Paddy Burke. It is chaired by Fianna Fáil TD Barry Andrews.

Sources close to the Committee confirmed the visit to Westminster is likely to take place in the early part of April.

Former Labour Party leader Pat Rabbitte once famously claimed that only “drunks and insomniacs” watched the late-night parliamentary coverage on RTE.

However, Bertie Ahern said in November that a dedicated Oireachtas TV channel would help inform the public about Dáil and Seanad debates as well as topical issues being discussed in the 22 Oireachtas Committees.

Responding to a question from Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny, Mr Ahern told TDs in the Dáil in November: “I am entirely in agreement on a dedicated television station broadcasting unedited recordings of what happens in the House, although perhaps edited if there is repetition.

“I understand that it would be easy enough for us to do it. Presentations made to Oireachtas Committees would fill many television stations.

“Obviously, if the Dáil is being broadcast, everything else could not be, but it would be very suitable for running in the evening or at weekends.

“It might never have high TAM (Television Audience Measurement) ratings, but I do not believe many people watch much of the stuff I happen to flick through when looking for the programme I want to watch.

“I would say that a lot of the rubbish that is on TV does not get much of a TAM rating, although I have to confess that some of the rubbish gets very high TAM ratings.

“A dedicated television service would help to publicise some of the quality presentations which are made.

“It may be the case that not everyone will watch the channel when groups come before the Oireachtas to represent a substantial number of people.”

Mr Kenny said Opposition parties were in consultation with the Ceann Comhairle on the issue.

He added: “I understand the technology is available and that the cost is not too great.

“A dedicated political or Oireachtas channel covering Dáil, Seanad and Committee proceedings would be of enormous interest to people and it would be a great public service.”