Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

We are broadcast live on the worldwide web, but that channel can only be accessed by certain people. A dedicated broadcasting channel would be worthwhile.

I compliment everyone concerned. RTE should be more adventurous, but I compliment TG4, a brilliant station that is doing good work. It was established by a Fianna Fáil-Labour Government, which was a progressive period. Deputy Michael D. Higgins was the Minister responsible for that matter at the time and we have much to be proud of in that regard.

RTE should be actively involved in the establishment and management of television and radio stations throughout the EU. It has the ability and capacity to compete with the best and to project the Irish image. I cannot understand why, unlike the ESB, which created jobs for Irish people, RTE is not in the 26 other member states creating jobs for Irish broadcasters. I would have welcomed an opportunity to discuss the Eurovision Song Contest, but I will do so at a later stage.