Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

It was not. I think it was a GAA draw. The first prize was a Volkswagen Golf and the second a video recorder. They were that close together at the time. It came in a box and somebody who knew about these matters asked me whether it was a betacord or VHS recorder. I told him it was a betacord recorder and he told me I ought to get rid of it straightaway because it was old technology. In fact, it was not; it was the best. However, it was not the most used, which is a different matter. The major manufacturers had come together under a particular technology umbrella and decided to use the VHS system which was not nearly as good, easy to use or advanced as the betacord system. That is a fact. I used both and from personal evaluation, that is what it amounted to. It proves a point that what we are told is not always correct. We know this from the various expert groups which advise us. Expert advice varies. The great thing about experts is that two groups can have totally different opinions, each proving its case. However, only one of them is right. Which is it?

Will the technology to be used have a reasonably long lifespan? Will we avail of it early and will it have the ability to transmit a signal to the widest possible audience throughout Europe, in particular, and further afield, if possible? That is what I would most like to know. It can be done, as we can receive signals in tunnels. I must check whether we can receive a signal in the new tunnel here. From past experience, I know it is possible to receive an adequate signal throughout Europe. It is also possible to receive a good quality signal transmitted from this country throughout Europe, whether it be long wave, short wave or digital. The old-fashioned or overcrowded signal and the clear near stereo signal are as different as chalk and cheese. There is no comparison.

From driving cross-country, we are familiar with the automatic pre-selection system in motorcars. It changes to pick up various stations as one travels from one part of the country to another. One does not always get a good quality signal, sound or response. When there is a squelch, fade or loss of signal, one wonders what is happening. We had such an example in recent times. As the Minister is aware, broadcasting services from a number of churches ceased. Many parishes were annoyed and disappointed. They had available to them an FM signal which was quite good but then disappeared. As the Minister knows, I was in touch with his office and he provided me the information available to him. I was also in touch with the regulator and received the information available to that office. I was told air traffic control was in deep trouble with the system and that it had to be changed. From experience gained in a previous incarnation, I was amazed that was interference with air traffic control. I was not all that reassured from the information I received. Suffice to say, it is possible to have both signals. It is possible to provide a service for all churches in a way which will not interfere with anybody else, any other signal or emergency services. It is possible to provide such a service throughout the country and further afield. In the context of what is proposed in the Bill, it is possible to restore the high quality signal available to churches and utilise the technology available without interference. This is the right time to do so. The confidence in the system of those who had come to enjoy a particular quality of service would be restored. For regulatory reasons or otherwise, overnight they found they no longer had the service. It should not be this way.

Will the Minister examine how the Bill can assist those involved in providing a service from churches, particularly for older people and those who are ill and are unable to attend mass or church services on a Sunday morning? This would be of major benefit. Someone will argue that a system is provided for them through a new type of receiver box. It is a CB-type signal which is not of high quality. We do not need to rely on it. It would be helpful if the Minister could indicate to the House how the matter might be dealt with.

Perhaps we are seeing the end of free-to-air television services; it looks to me that that is the way it is going. It has been that way in the United States for some time. This is sad, as there will always be a place for a free-to-air broadcast station which fulfils national broadcasting needs and the public service obligation. Such a station would be free and independent and not rely unnecessarily on advertising support, etc. There are different horses for different courses. TG4 provides an interesting service different from that provided by many other stations. It has been innovative and effective in the sports area and the broadcasting of Oireachtas proceedings. Live proceedings from the Oireachtas have been broadcast when the occasion has arisen. It has done a good job for the Irish language and the consumer by presenting such an option.

The time has come for the live broadcasting of proceedings in these Houses, something Members seek all the time. There is ample scope and space for building a service around the proceedings of the national parliament. For those who ask who would want to listen to them, it should be said people ignore proceedings in the Houses at their peril. Everything that is legislated for must pass through the Houses and the public has a right to know what its representatives say and do, how they vote and deport themselves and what is done in response to the Government or Opposition. It is a vital part of democracy and would be a very important service. Such a broadcast would be viewed by a large number. I am sure my colleagues share my experience of people walking up to me and asking about what a certain Member had said because I would have been present at the time and knew what was happening. If we wish to have a full House, something which receives much comment outside, we should make it interesting and bring the public with us. If it cannot be here, we should be brought to it. The people have a right to know as events happen. During the summer months, when everybody believes we all go away and have no interest in what goes on here, any radio or television station worth its salt would be able to build programming around issues already discussed. This could come from committees which sit for most of the year or by repeating some broadcasts from the Houses. TG4 has done tremendous work in this area and shown us the way.

I have referred to a number of points and, like my colleagues, hope to bring forward amendments on Committee Stage. We need time to do so. I do not believe it is fair or proper to expect us to deliver such amendments within 24 hours. The issue is too important for that.

I welcome the Bill in general and hope all the aspirations for it can be met in full. In so far as we can, we will do our best to assist its passage.

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