Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

Yesterday I raised the issue of RTE's intention to cease its medium wave service on RTE Radio 1. The point I made was that it will affect in particular older members of the Irish community in Britain. I appreciate the comments made by Senator O'Toole on the issue that has now arisen. I know he is an optimist but he knows full well that a big box of long wave radios will not be sent over to Britain to solve the problem and the logistics of trying to achieve that are somewhat far-fetched. Ultimately, this issue will be quietly put to bed and a whole generation — the older generation in Britain — will be ignored in this regard.

Many Senators travel to Britain regularly and come in contact with the Irish community there. If one visits the homes, as I have done, one finds a little bit of Ireland there. If such emigrants are accustomed to receiving RTE Radio 1 in a particular manner, they will not avail of the new technological changes. I am talking about the older members of that community. I know well that after 1 March, we shall be hearing how these people have suffered and that their lifeline has been cut off. That is a pity and whatever money is involved in maintaining this service, I believe, is well owed to the Irish community in Britain. I do not believe we shall be remembered kindly in years to come if we do not take into consideration now the emotional and sentimental impact of this initiative.

The person who communicated to me from Britain on this issue had done a considerable amount of research. He is a columnist in a newspaper, and is not just writing as one person. He has been surveying this issue extensively throughout Britain. I know him and he is genuine. The manner in which he approached this issue on behalf of Irish people in Britain who are affected is genuine, sincere and is an appeal from the heart. It has come to the right place when it has come to Parliament. It has come to the Seanad and I hope that in the debate promised by the Leader for next week we will have an opportunity to discuss it further. I have a great deal more material which I cannot put forward on the Order of Business.