Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)

On a number of previous occasions, I raised the matter of providing RTE television signals to the Irish in Britain. The Government agreed to do that but when it examined the matter, it discovered that the legislation establishing RTE was inadequate in respect of ordering RTE to provide the service. RTE could offer a service if it had the will but was not obliged to do so by legislation. I asked that a short Bill be introduced to change the legislation and my request was facilitated through a section which was added to the Broadcasting Bill. On several occasions over the past year, I asked when that Bill would be taken and was advised that it would be published this year. However, I note it is not possible to indicate at this stage when the legislation might be published. I am aware of the problems encountered by the Chief Whip with regard to Ministers seeking time for legislation but that means the Bill does not have a snowball's chance in hell of coming before the Dáil in advance of the next general election. I ask the Taoiseach to consider the matter with a view to determining whether a short Bill could address it.

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