Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I agree with what the Deputy has said. Local radio is very important. It is quite remarkable that the regional radio stations have 60% of the audience. They provide public service content of merit, above and beyond what the legislation requires.

They have a tremendously loyal audience and perform a very important role, as Deputy Colreavy notes. I spoke at the annual conference of the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland this year and met with people from Near FM. They put certain propositions to me in respect of the issues raised by the Deputy, including the question of representation for local community radio on the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland. I assured them that I would be happy to look at that.

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