Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I rise to support my colleague, Deputy Penrose, on his Bill, which is very important. It is one of a number of Bills which the Labour Party will introduce in the House in the coming months to support local indigenous industries. The music industry is an incredibly important industry in all corners of Ireland. Irish music punches way above its weight. We need to support this industry which employs thousands of people. I welcome all those who are in the Gallery to support the Bill.

I think everyone in the House received a letter from the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland. I praise these radio stations, as Deputy Fitzmaurice and others did before me. They provide an absolutely essential service to all our communities. In the case of my county, Tipp FM and Tipp Mid West do a brilliant job. Tipp FM meets the Irish music quota. Fran Curry, Billy O'Shea and the rest of the team of Tipp FM make sure they support Irish music. As part of this legislation, we need to ensure the big boys as well as the small boys deliver on what is required of them. The Bill will guarantee this and ensure Irish music is not played in an ad hocmanner, as is the case at present.

I must say this straight. I find it incredible that this Fine Gael-led Government - sorry, the Minister present is gene pool Fine Gael - and Fianna Fáil are not supporting the Bill.

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