Feargal Quinn (Independent)

I agree with the points Senator Finucane and Senator O'Meara made and I will not repeat them. However, when speaking about community media, Senator Finucane seemed to cover rural areas. I want to make sure we are not limiting this to rural areas. I also spoke to the Dublin community television people and they made a strong case that the difference between local and community should be distinguished. I made this point on Second Stage and I am not sure what the ideal solution is but it is something the Minister might take into account. There is a need to proceed exactly as has been proposed for which a case has been strongly made.

I refer to my amendment No. 4b. I also raised this issue on Second Stage. One of the things that is not spelled out in this legislation is the exact basis of the funding for the programme to be supported. It is easy to overlook the fact that a broadcaster incurs two types of costs in creating public service broadcasting. The first is the cost of making the programme which is easily understood. However, that is not the end of the matter. In arriving at the total cost to the broadcaster, one must note that the broadcaster must also take into account income foregone by broadcasting that programme rather than a more popular one which would attract a much wider audience and would, therefore, raise far more in advertising revenue. There is a difference. It is easy to understand but is not an easy case to make.