Luke Flanagan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)

This appears to be a repeat of the debate on the Finance (No. 2) Bill 2011 when we were told we would be voting against an increase in the minimum wage if we opposed the Bill. I agree with parts of the Bill, but I do not understand why they have to be thrown in together.

When times are tough, it is usual to cut back on spending on less important items. It is fair to give the money to TG4, but I suggest we could make up the money if we stopped paying nearly €1 million per annum to some people in RTE for doing what many others could do as well, if not better, for €100,000. With the arrival of Vincent Browne's show on TV3, what is so unique about RTE's coverage of political issues? I do not think it adds value any longer. Given that one has to pay €160 for a television licence in tough times, there is an opportunity to reduce the licence fee while continuing to provide the necessary services through TG4. At this stage, nobody would miss RTE. What can one watch that is not available on other stations? Can one not watch "Are You Being Served" for the one millionth time on another station? In regard to current affairs, my experience is that it is highly biased against anyone on the Opposition benches. I cannot see what will be gained by keeping it.

When it comes to allocating money to TG4, I do not have a problem. It is a fantastic station which has done amazing work for the Irish language by making it relevant. One can watch snooker, golf, tennis and other sports through Irish. However, I do have a problem with RTE holding onto its money because it does not do anything unique for us. It boasts that it has 19 of the top 20 radio programmes, but is that any wonder? It has the money to buy any presenter it wants and private radio stations, whether national or local, are severely disadvantaged as a result. They also lose advertising revenue because RTE wants it all its own way. It wants the licence fee revenue as well the advertising revenue.

The only problem with giving money to TG4 is that I cannot vote for it because I would have to support a Bill which will have the result that people in my town will be lucky if post is delivered to their doors twice a week. By voting against the giving of money to TG4 at least I can make a stand against the running down of postal services in rural Ireland. If this was a restaurant, we would only be allowed to eat here if we agreed to have the entire menu on the same plate.

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