Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)

Regarding promised legislation, I tabled a question to the Taoiseach concerning the reception of Irish television in England. The Taoiseach referred the question to the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Deputy Noel Dempsey, but he also wrote to me. I thank him for doing so, although I was not entirely satisfied with the answer. In his letter, the Taoiseach indicated that the broadcasting authority Bill would need to be amended to give authority to RTE to broadcast to England. I am aware that the Bill is due to be published next year. Does the Taoiseach agree to bring forward the amendment required to provide RTE with the authority to broadcast beyond the 32 counties? The Whips on this side of the House would certainly agree to this.

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