Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I feel I have been misled by RTE on this issue. Other groups feel the same. No one has been told until now about the reduction in the transmission output.

This is not a problem for which the Minister should be answerable and that is not the point of my amendment. Its point is to take it from the hands of RTE that it could reduce output at its own discretion. I want us to use our full output. I want the Irish message to be received as widely as possible. If we were broadcasting at 500 KW or more, we could be received in Brussels and all of the UK, never mind London. There is a big issue. I know Senator Donie Cassidy shares my view about the importance of long wave being received here.

I have outlined the issue in simple terms and can outline it in technical terms also, if that is required. What is happening at present is unacceptable. Our message is being diluted and not received, and all because we are not using what is available to us. I ask the Minister of State to concede to us on this point.