Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Penrose for publishing this legislation. I welcome the opportunity to speak to his Bill, which proposes to introduce a quota for Irish music on the radio by way of an amendment to the Broadcasting Act. I also express my support for the Irish music industry. We are here this evening due to the interest in the area and our wish to discuss any possible assistance we can offer.

There have been a number of attempts to create a definition to enable the introduction of an Irish music quota. Previous Ministers and my Department met with a number of groups and tried to formulate a definition. Deputy Penrose met with the then Minister, Alex White, in the past. The issue of the definition was raised by Deputy Penrose's party colleague but it could not be progressed at that stage. I have spoken privately with Deputy Penrose regarding this matter. I have told him that I am very sympathetic to the issue he raises but the core issue-----

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