Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

I congratulate all those involved in this report, including Senator O'Meara. This is a topical issue which has raised many hackles throughout the country. My colleagues on the other side of the House spoke about the west. However, the case in Carlow-Kilkenny has been equally controversial. Lessons must be learned from this process. The Minister was correct when he said he would rule out any ministerial interference in the future. However, there must be some scope for an appeals process because these licences are worth a lot of money. They could make a person wealthy overnight. The idea behind local radio is to give a voice to local people. We all know that little media coverage is given to places outside Dublin. Unless something happens in Dublin, it is not relevant. I am glad that local radio has allowed many of us to raise important local issues, which would not make it past the editor's desk in the Dublin media.

I regret the Minister did not say he plans to introduce an appeals process in the future. I hope he will consider that in the review currently under way. People deserve to know why they were unsuccessful in getting a licence. The lack of a full attendance at board meetings is also a concern. People feel aggrieved that decisions were made when only half the board was present and that the chairperson had the casting vote, which, in effect, meant two votes. That is not the way to do business. People do not mind if decisions go against them but they will be justifiably angry if they feel the decision is not fair. That is the case in Carlow-Kilkenny.