Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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To some degree, it is in the eye of the beholder. The Act sets out broad principles. Philosophically, we are talking about the obligation on public service broadcasters to reflect society back to itself in terms of current affairs, news reporting, quality productions, drama and culture, for example. I refer also to the support of symphony orchestras. Regional radio stations produce public service content, national and local news and information of public service merit and value for their listeners. The argument is not that regional radio does not do public service work of merit, because it does, but that regional radio stations originated as commercial enterprises. The licences were much sought after at the time. Some would have problems that derive from having inherited debt, which is most unfortunate. It is very important that if there is anything that the Government can do to ensure they continue to provide public service content, it should do it if it can within the constraints. If the stations were to revert to playing wall-to-wall music, for example, it would not be public service content. If, however, they produced a local documentary about matters of historical, cultural, public or political interest, it would constitute public service content. A portion of the television licence goes to the sound and vision fund. Local radio has access to that, but perhaps not as liberally as it should. Perhaps that is a matter we should examine.