Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)

I thank the Government side for allowing this debate in such a speedy fashion. I only asked for the debate last week. It is extremely useful and I thank the Minister for coming to the House. He is clearly familiar with the report and, as he pointed out, the committee has had a thorough discussion with the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland on its findings, a discussion which will probably continue. The role of the Seanad is important in such a discussion. We have had this discussion at the joint committee but this debate gives us all, including the Minister, myself as rapporteur to the committee and members of the committee, an opportunity to hear a wider range of views on this issue which is important to the Minister's brief and to us as public representatives. As the Minister said, local radio has been successful and the last licensing round generated a certain amount of controversy. In light of the Minister's review, the report is timely and is proving useful. I welcome the Minister's open attitude to our discussion so far.