John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

I join with previous speakers, especially Senators Tuffy and O'Toole, who raised the issue of the letter from ComReg to different community groups, and to church groups in particular, with regard to ending broadcasts. Yesterday, I was shocked and appalled when I learned of this proposal. A number of my constituents contacted me and a parish priest from my native southern County Kilkenny appeared on the national airwaves yesterday. He had received such a letter and was informed that it affected all parish activities, including mass, other announcements and different community events which are broadcast to those elderly or ill people who are housebound. Such people constitute a vulnerable sector of the community in both rural and urban areas, and this proposal is pathetic.

I urge the Leader to make all possible representations to the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to try to ensure such community broadcasting facilities can continue in their current form. For many people, they are the only link to the community in which they live. Members should do their utmost to retain them in the face of the cutbacks which have affected many community and voluntary services in both rural and urban areas.