Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

I respect the Minister's sterling defence of the Civil Service. I said that if the Department's senior head of the broadcasting division had reservations about 5% of funding going towards the Bill and if RTE had similar reservations, one is inclined to be doubtful about the spirit and intent of this regarding community radio and television. The Minister elaborated on this in the same way as he did previously, but for me it is like buying a pig in a poke. I hoped for a new reassurance that, in the submissions to the BCI, community radio and television would get a sympathetic hearing from the commission. After all, RTE and commercial radio and television stations are starting with a tremendous advantage – a good financial position. I am talking about the concept of voluntary, non-profit-making enterprises and the restrictions and impediments that exist. For example, we are talking about ten minutes of advertising for a commercial radio station while a restriction of six minutes will be placed on a local community station. Community stations are restricted to raising 50% funding from commercial activities.

I predict that if encouragement is not given to community radio and television stations in urban and rural areas, despite the greatest intent of communities, they will falter over time and the principle will be stillborn. There is a community radio station in Connemara serving a scattered population. While meaningful programmes on Irish culture or language could be produced by that station, unless the BCI looks seriously at helping it and providing financial assistance, stations such as this will falter and die.