Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)

I am not sure what the timeline will be. However, the obligation will arise from the enactment of the Bill. I have already spoken to Cathal Goan in RTE. The station envisages some difficulties and has raised a number of points. It is enthusiastic about trying to achieve this outreach quickly. Having a specific legislative base in this regard is important for it. I would not be unfair in stating that he would have accepted it as a strong signal of the wishes of Government and the Houses of the Oireachtas. I do not anticipate any undue delay. The timescale we are considering would be in the region of 12 to 18 months to get everything right technically and otherwise. RTE management views this as a positive development and I am sure it will respond very quickly.