MINISTER OF State for Finance Martin Mansergh expressed reservations about religious advertising but argued that the Angelus should continue to be broadcast.

"In the past, Ireland had problems of proselytism and people should not underestimate the attractiveness a wide open system would have for proselytisers of a particular evangelical type," he added. "I have no problem with notice-board-type bulletins."

Dr Mansergh said that while he might be expressing a personal view, religion was not a soap powder and, consequently, he disliked the idea of it being placed at the level of other consumer products.

"While I accept the converse point, that churches must use modern methods of communications like anyone else, I would like to think the churches are a little way above the marketplace," he added.

Dr Mansergh said that, "speaking from a minority point of view", he wished people would leave the Angelus alone.

"A former archbishop of the Church of Ireland stated that he had no problem whatsoever with it and that is the authoritative view," he added.

Dr Mansergh was speaking during the resumed debate on the Broadcasting Bill. On Wednesday, Government backbencher Chris Andrews (FF, Dublin South East) said that religious orders should be allowed to advertise for vocations and Christmas cribs on radio and television.

Referring to Dáil coverage, Dr Mansergh expressed his disappointment, which, he said, was probably shared by all members, with the way a few journalists and broadcasters systematically denigrated the House and its proceedings.

"I do not believe that being in that position has made the last few weeks any easier," Seymour Crawford (FG, Cavan-Monaghan) said that religious broadcasting was vital.

"People in cars, homes and hospitals and elderly people who cannot go to church services, Masses or so on, have the opportunity to spend a quiet hour with their religions," said Mr Crawford.

"Given the importance of this situation continuing, we should not be shy about it. Religion is important, although it has suffered from problems in recent years."

Mr Crawford added that when religious scandals emerged in all churches, young people saw an excuse not to attend church. "Perhaps, for this reason, there is so much suicide and so on."

Noting that the Bill would deal with junk food advertising, Mr Crawford said he had consumed too much of it as a young man, leading to health problems in later life such as diabetes. He said he was extremely disturbed that the legislation did not contain a provision to curtail alcohol advertising.