Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)

Only for the fact that Deputy Creed watches them, he would not know they were on. I assume he has somthing in common with John Wayne.

"Ros na Rún" is an example of a programme shown by the station. It has a facility to ensure traditional ways in Gaeltacht areas and rural life are unlikely to be forgotten. These are shown in the best possible light.

The station has created a source of employment for the very best producers and researchers. Many can now be seen named in the credits on RTE, TV3 and the BBC. It is a major training ground for many highly skilled young men and women and provides an outlet for their professionalism.

It is incumbent on stations to carry as many high quality home produced programmes as possible. It is one thing to have a home produced programme but if it is trash, it is no good to anyone. Programmes such as "The Clinic" are of high quality. The more that are produced, the greater the grip on the people, irrespective of what is beamed in by Sky Television or the BBC. Irish people will see such programmes as reflecting their values and interests. As long as RTE continues with such programmes, it is the future in terms of competition. It does not always get it right but nobody does.

I may sound dated in referring to a programme that I love to watch, "Reeling in the Years". I had the good fortune of being involved in many of the events covered, sometimes with a peripheral role. I do not know the ratings for that programme but they must be high because it is being re-run. The series dates back to 1962 or 1963 and progresses through the years. There is a major opening for nostalgia programmes.

A Fine Gael amendment to the Bill was tabled in the Seanad and, as far as I am aware, accepted by the Government. It stated that in cases where only one group was looking for a local radio licence and was successful, that group's contract would not then be for five years but would run for seven years. It is a minor matter but is extremely important because in an area where there is not too much interest, the incumbents would have an opportunity over seven years to develop programming to its liking. Many others would wish to be involved thereafter. We will follow the Bill on Committee Stage.

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