Eugene Murphy (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I agree with most of the sentiments expressed by my colleagues. I compliment Deputy Dooley on his work on this Bill. I come with quite a bit of experience in local radio, having worked for 20 years with Shannonside Northern Sound presenting and producing. I count working in local radio as probably the best experience of my life. Local radio means so much to people in the communities. It is rather unfortunate that Deputy Bríd Smith has tried to muddy the waters at a very critical time for local radio and for the people who run and work on it. I am sure Deputy Dooley will deal with that in time, but it was an outrageous way to carry on and one which is not usual in the House. I am very sad that it happened here this morning. We are here trying to help people in a difficult situation. We know they have to get help and assistance. As someone who worked in local radio, I remind people that local radio is the local doctor, the local nurse, the local garda, and the local community activist. These stations cover every aspect of life in what they do. Each and every one of them does phenomenal charity work. They raise vast amounts of money for charity.

They are a voice for the old and for the disabled. More importantly, on many occasions they are the unseen person in the room, particularly for old people and for people with disabilities. When families have gone out to work and old people are on their own, the other person in the room is the local radio station. That is vital and important.

Many areas of rural life have declined. I will not go into all that has disappeared from local communities in recent years. The one thing in particular that has been so crucial and important to people in rural areas is local radio. The people who run it and work on it need our assistance now. That is why we are here today and why Deputy Dooley has tabled his motion. There is no other reason. I am sure that the vast majority of Members of this House will agree with me. It is important that all politicians acknowledge the threat local radio and local journalism are under. One sees what is coming out on social media from extreme left-wing and right-wing groups. My own family, myself in particular, has suffered from this. It is so important that we protect what we have, what is good, and what is here by legislation and not allow these groups to dictate and destroy the true voice of the people.

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