Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

Maybe there needs to be some, but I have been very forthcoming in assisting RTE over the years in a very healthy package of a licence fee and for public service broadcasting. If showing the Oireachtas and its relevant committees is not public service broadcasting, I give up totally. If the idea is to cost the project and put it back on to us, that is not very bright.

I was in here on Saturday night meeting Dr. Paisley and I noticed that on the stations, which I knocked off to save electricity, there was a showing of the Dáil. I know it is technically feasible. If one walks into any of the hotels in the area of the House of Commons the test card that is used is the live showing of the House of Commons or, if it is late at night, the Lords. Within the public service broadcasting remit, RTE has a very lucrative licence fee and is in a very healthy position and should be able to carry it. If there are some small costs I am sure we could look at the matter but I do not think it should be difficult for RTE.

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