Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

Deputy Stagg does not ask me too many questions. At his behest, I raised this matter last year with the RTE authority and discussed the matter with it when I opened the new offices in Millbank, in the United Kingdom. The members of the authority raised two issues, the cost and the legislative element. I understand the legislative matters can be resolved in the broadcasting Bill. This leaves the cost issue and I understand the Minister and his officials would rather deal with this in the context of the entire broadcasting Bill.

I am aware of Deputy Stagg's interest in this matter and would share it from a different perspective. From a sporting point of view I think broadcasting to Britain would be a good thing. Deputy Stagg's proposal is good — perhaps he is looking at it from the perspective of cultural and other issues. A large audience of Irish people in the United Kingdom would be interested in Irish radio and particularly in sport during the summertime. It would be valued if people could get far better reception and if it can be done I will support this measure. I will speak to the Minister again on this issue if it does not cost an arm and a leg. Many people are listening to games and other cultural events, with which I am not familiar, on the Internet but this is not the easiest way of doing this.

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