Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

It is. Far be it from me to argue with the Leas-Chathaoirleach but the point I am making relates to the 5% requirement and the manner in which it will be used once it is put into the mix. I am attempting to reflect the fact that there are two interests, the public service interest and the commercial interest, involved in this issue. RTE will be entitled to apply for this money for its programming.

I would prefer the money ring-fenced for local and community broadcasting rather than for RTE. There is not a level playing field because radio has become so diverse. Deregulation has gone too far and soon there will be too many radio stations in the country. However, I accept Senator Finucane's point about community radio.