Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)

In answer to the Deputy's first question, I do not believe everything I read in the newspapers. I have read different versions of the so-called fear and loathing in Dublin 4. I am not worried by something reported in a newspaper. I agree with the Deputy with regard to the radio programmes. I listen to the radio when I am travelling and the programmes referred to by the Deputy are three excellent and enjoyable programmes. I heard a discussion about the reasons for "Rattlebag" being moved. The explanation given by the head of radio at that stage was not unreasonable.

It is good for RTE to challenge itself, and it is good for programmes to be moved around. I will not get involved in how individual programmes should be managed or the daily running of RTE. The Deputy would be the first to challenge me if I did. The concept of shaking up the schedule, being innovative, changing programmes around and trying to hold people's interests is not a bad principle, especially in broadcasting as it gets even more competitive.

As somebody who always resented the inference that I was not earning the salary I was being paid out of the public purse, I will not comment on the salaries some of the people are being paid in RTE. The information is available and somebody clearly thinks the personnel are worth their salary. The issue would be subject to negotiation and I am sure RTE management is as good a negotiator as anybody else. Some of the salaries are based on returns coming back to the station relating to advertising. I do not know the details of the matter. We all feel that we earn our salaries. I will not comment on anybody else's salary.

There is merit in the Deputy's comments on Parliament programming. I recently met a person who has put forward a suggestion that there be a public service broadcasting station devoted entirely to parliamentary and political affairs. It would cover this House and the Seanad, along with the European Parliament and county councils etc. I am aware of another approach we are involved with which proposes to webcast the meeting of at least one county council. Such a development would be positive.

If the Deputy is telling me that this is of interest to the Labour Party, I would be delighted to convey that to the person concerned. It would be of interest to our party and the Deputies in Opposition. I will go back to the relevant person and convey that to him.

See this speech in context