Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 1:

In page 3, line 11, after "MEANS" to insert the following:

"UTILISING THE MOST MODERN DIGITAL SYSTEMS OR COMBINATION OF SYSTEMS".

There are 22 amendments in this grouping and I will refer to them briefly as I realise we have a short time to discuss the final stages of the Bill, though there will be ample time to discuss it later.

Amendment No. 1 relates to an issue that was discussed at considerable length on Committee Stage. The Minister gave an undertaking to the House that he would consider the introduction of a number of amendments. I have been otherwise engaged for the past few days and have been bombarded with Bills that arrived late and amendments that had to be submitted. I do not see any evidence that the Minister has considered the introduction of these amendments but I am interested to hear what he has to say. It was not the Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Deputy Browne who gave the commitment but his colleague. Notwithstanding this, I presume the Minister of State is equally committed to delivering on the commitments made by his colleague.

Amendment No. 1 indicates that, in the course of discussions of these proposals on Second and Committee Stages, evidence came to light showing that we should not be tied to one particular system. The best combination of systems should be utilised to ensure high quality, reliable and modern technology. We pointed out that all technology has a short lifespan and we have little chance of being at the cutting edge by using old technology and amendment No. 1 sought to clarify this.

Amendment No. 4, which is related, seeks to delete the word multiplex and substitute transmission system or systems. This amendment has the same purpose as the previous one and we will be interested to hear what the Minister has to say in this regard because a clear commitment was given on Committee Stage relating to this matter. The Minister of State and his Department have received a significant number of submissions from interested parties outside the House who have a particular expertise in the area and who have given of their time freely to convey what they have that can be of benefit in the passing of this legislation.

Amendment No. 5 is a similar related amendment that refers to short wave digital technology. Amendment No. 7 seeks to have the same effect at a different point in the Bill on page 4. Amendment No. 14 is a related amendment on the same lines and refers to the introduction of a short wave digital broadcasting system or combination of such systems and is a repeat of the earlier amendment. Amendment No. 15 seeks to make the same amendment.

Amendment No. 18 sees a slight variation with the emphasis changed to insert "incorporating modern digital technology". This means the same as previous amendments and is meant to help in the utilisation of cutting edge technology for the benefit of this legislation. Due to time constraints, I do not propose to discuss the amendments individually. I hope the Minister of State will indicate an intention to act on the promise given on Committee Stage. Like Deputies on this side, he will have had little time to deliberate on the matter but I offer him an opportunity to accept our proposal.

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