Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)

I am glad to have the opportunity to speak on this important Bill. I welcome the wide-ranging legislation, which will impact on the entire broadcasting sector. We live in an age when broadcasting has changed considerably. It was not so long ago that people were suggesting that radio stations had almost become a thing of the past, with television taking over. There may have been a period of time when that happened. However, local radio stations have been a great success in various parts of the country. Nothing has complemented the work of politicians more than local radio stations. Every morning Members raise important constituency issues here. The catalyst for getting those stories back to our constituency is the local radio station. Coverage is given to why we have raised it or what a Minister might say. It brings life in Parliament here very much closer to the people.

While everyone will talk about his or her own constituency, we are very pleased with the availability of local radio stations in County Tipperary. A commercial station like Tipp FM carries stories, including issues addressed in this House, throughout the county. The success of that station can be measured by the way it has built up its listenership. Many people are now listening to local radio stations like Tipp FM. On the other hand, we also have a community-based station, Tipp Mid West Community Radio. It started up as a small station many years ago and has built up into a station, broadcasting into a whole region of west Tipperary.

However, a community station is very limited in the funding it is permitted to raise to run the station. We need to review how community radio stations are being financed. It is very difficult for people to fundraise and also present programmes, and something needs to be done. I seek clarification as to whether the Bill contains any changes in this regard. It is vital that community radio stations are allowed access to funding that would cover their ongoing expenses. Presenters need to be paid and there are travel and other expenses. Tipp Mid West Community Radio has given great service to the community. Those are two examples from our county of very successful commercial and community stations. They need to be supported and developed in the long run.

I take the point Deputy Breen made about the broadcast rights for Heineken Cup rugby matches. It is sad that people, particularly in Munster, are unable to watch those matches because they are not carried live by RTE. That trend should not be allowed to continue. While the games need sponsorship, it is wrong for young people actively involved in rugby and other sport not to be able to watch live broadcasts of their heroes playing in another country in a great final which is a major occasion for the entire community. I do not know whether that issue is addressed in this legislation. However, it is a matter for debate at a later time.

A Cheann Comhairle, you are a great man for going to horseracing and I like a bit of it myself.

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