Pat Gallagher (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I have been a Member of the House for many years but I find myself in a very difficult situation tonight. I indicated to the musicians who were invited to the audio-visual room by Deputy Penrose that I supported the principle of this legislation. I cannot understand why we cannot support the principle. If there are difficulties with quotas and whether the quota should be 40% or 25%, that can be teased out at a later stage. The principle of this Bill is that we are espousing our own. We should promote our music and culture. I received no approach from local radio but I have been told that pressure is being applied and we are tying its hands. If all of those radio stations were playing 30% Irish music content, there would be no need for this Bill.

I do not want to be a hypocrite about this. Deputy Penrose and others will know that I have been a loyal party member and if the greater membership of the party takes a decision, I must abide by it, but this one certainly goes against the grain for me.

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