The Fine Gael TD Mr Charles Flanagan, on the Order of Business, asked the Taoiseach if he had any proposals to contact RTE about its coverage of the proceedings of the House. It was obviously no longer considered family viewing since Oireachtas Report was now scheduled for 2.30 a.m. tomorrow.

Having regard to the considerable funds spent on setting up the Oireachtas broadcasting unit, Mr Flanagan said, he suggested that perhaps the Government Whip or the Taoiseach might take some action on the matter.

Mr Pat Rabbitte (DL) askedE interviews, one with the Taoiseach on Manchester United and the other with the Minister for Finance about growing up along the banks of the canal.

if the Taoiseach would consider Mr Flanagan's reasonable question on why Oireachtas Report should be relegated to a slot for drunks and insomniacs by RTE.

The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, said he sympathised with Mr Flanagan's request and he understood that the broadcasting committee of the House would consider this question. "I will lend my support to any efforts to televise the programme earlier because I under stand it had a good audience when shown earlier," he added.