John Ellis (Fianna Fail)

Before Christmas I raised the issue of local radio stations being taken over by various groupings. Since then I have received a number of representations from people involved in local radio stations outlining that on the takeover, the commitments given in the original granting of the licence disappears. It is imperative this issue is debated and I ask that the Minister is invited to the House to debate it. Another annoying matter is that following some of these takeovers, staff are asked to take wage cuts, which is wrong. It means local radio stations are losing some of their brightest and best people to the national radio stations, if they can get into them. It is imperative that we have a debate on this matter and that the Minister investigates the taking over of local radio stations in the past 12 to 18 months.

I am aware Senator Coughlan had a vested interest in a local radio station at one stage but I do not think that is still the case.