Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

I am pleased to have the opportunity to bring this matter to the House. I am particularly pleased that my friend and colleague, the Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Deputy Gallagher, is taking this Adjournment matter because we come from the same region. We could discuss the quality of reception in our part of the world. However, this matter is not only about the quality of reception, it is about whether the Irish in Britain will get any reception.

For a number of years the Irish in Britain have had a growing desire for increased access to RTE's radio and television services. This desire was exacerbated by the collapse of Tara Television in 2001, prior to which it re-transmitted RTE television services to a large number of people in the Irish community in Britain. Those people were extremely happy with the service. Sadly, economic and commercial interests prevailed. Tara Television is no more and for the past number of years any Senator or Deputy, and particularly any Minister, who travels to England will find that people inquire as to when RTE television services will be restored to the Irish community in Britain. I am sure the Minister of State will allude to that point. It is in that context I gave notice of this matter.

During the past number of months, developments have taken place on this matter. RTE is engaged in on-going discussions with the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources on the provision of the service. I understand a question of money is involved. It is seen as a public service obligation rather than having commercial potential. I would argue whether that is absolutely true. More important are the legal dimensions surrounding the question of transmitting RTE services outside the State. I hope the Minister of State clarifies that situation in his reply and explains what action will be taken.

The original Broadcasting Authority Acts, which established Radio Telefís Éireann, placed legal constraints on RTE broadcasting outside the jurisdiction of the State, and these constraints remain in place. Unless the primary legislation is changed, it is well nigh impossible for RTE to accelerate any plans it may have to extend existing television services to the United Kingdom. The same would be true of radio and it also applies within the island. There is a legal limbo which needs to be clarified. Does the Minister intend bringing forward a suitable amendment in his proposed broadcasting Bill which is currently being drafted?

It is vitally important that the Irish community in Britain remains engaged and connected to the mother country. In this era of modern communications there is no better way than through the provision of RTE radio and television services. RTE is the State broadcaster and as a public service it acknowledges the importance of the Irish community in Britain and beyond.

The House will be aware that I derive some of my income from RTE and therefore anything I say in this regard will need to be interpreted in that context but I make no apologies for that. I am very proud of my connections with RTE. I am currently preparing a series of programmes which will be transmitted prior to Christmas and which are being recorded at Irish centres in the UK, in Leeds, Nottingham, Milton Keynes and Portsmouth. This is another indication of the importance which RTE attaches to the Irish community in Britain.

As a broadcaster I have been identified to some degree with Irish interests in Britain. This issue will not go away and it has been a constant with the various Irish communities throughout the UK. It has been articulated by the Federation of Irish Societies which is an umbrella body funded directly by DION, to the tune of almost €1 million annually. It represents over 100 affiliates across the United Kingdom. Along with a colleague of mine in RTE, Paddy Glackin, I attended its conference last June to hear at first hand the priorities of the Irish community in broadcasting terms. The message was loud and clear that they wanted more programming from RTE and in particular, they wanted to be able to turn on their television sets and pick up RTE television services, especially news and current affairs. I thank the Minister of State for his attention and await his reply.