Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

I have listened attentively to the three Senators and we are trying to achieve the same goal. It is a matter of how one does that. Section 66 of the Bill lists the criteria the contract awards committee must have regard to when an application is being considered, including, in section 66(2)(c) "the quality, range and type of the programmes proposed to be provided by each applicant or, if there is only one applicant, by that applicant".

Subsection (f) refers to "the desirability of having a diversity of services in the area specified in the notice catering for a wide range of tastes including those of minority interests". Senator O'Toole made a case for making special arrangements for people living in Gaeltacht areas. In this Bill we have taken the approach that we are encouraging applicants rather than forcing them to do something. Legislation can be over-prescriptive. I take on board what is being said. I cannot go any further than I have already done. I will discuss the matter with the Minister. The audience council is one area we could examine and we could make some new proposals on that.