Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I raise the issue of RTÉ's strategy for Lyric FM. RTÉ is to close its studio in Limerick in 2020, with productions for Lyric FM to move to Cork and Dublin. The announcement was a severe blow to the mid-west and it was welcome that RTÉ reversed the decision. People in counties Limerick and Clare are proud of Lyric FM, as was shown by the outpouring of support when initial reports emerged that the wider station faced closure. When RTÉ made the decision to base Lyric FM in Limerick, it was seen as a statement of intent and commitment to the regions. It is especially concerning that the University of Limerick offered in the months leading up to the announcement to host Lyric FM, but RTÉ did not take up the offer, instead ignoring it until it became public. It was a visionary offer made to RTÉ by the president of the University of Limerick, Dr. Des Fitzgerald, to offer Lyric FM a home on the campus of the university, but it fell on deaf ears. Lyric FM is a small strand of the RTÉ story and punches well above its weight in the context of its budget and what it produces. It is also highly symbolic, not least for the arts and music. An explanation is required as to why the offer was first ignored and then rejected. It was a wonderful opportunity for Lyric FM to remain in a permanent and appropriate home in Limerick and ensure Ireland had a national broadcaster that was not only focused on Dublin and Cork, but it was ignored and disregarded against the backdrop of a financial crisis.

We have heard about the job losses and where they will begin. It is my understanding the process will begin with producers. That is a fatal mistake as it will mean getting rid of the creative people within the industry and the national broadcaster.

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