Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

Section 114(1)(d) provides, for the first time in legislation, an obligation for the national broadcaster to assist and co-operate with public bodies regarding the dissemination of information "in the event of a major emergency". It is important that the transmission capacity be available in order for this obligation to be honoured in an effective manner. Studies have been carried out by people who claim the signal has diminished to a significant degree since the change from medium wave. Given that major emergencies are covered in the Bill, one could argue that there is a requirement on RTE to ensure it has the capacity to broadcast effectively in the event of an emergency occurring.

As previous speakers stated, those in the maritime industry, particularly fishermen, depend on radio broadcasts for weather forecasts, which are extremely important in the context of their work and for ensuring their safety. It is important that these people should be able to receive radio signals from the national broadcaster.

It was also stated that emigrants abroad should be able to receive these signals in order that they might remain in touch with what is happening at home. The position with regard to citizens living here is similar. It would be a pity if we were to move in the opposite direction.

I spent a holiday in France in 1981. I remember it well because my daughter — she was only a year old at the time and we did not bring her with us — keeps reminding me about it. She refers to it as the holiday when she was left at home. We travelled through Normandy and Brittany in France and had no difficulty tuning in to Raidió Éireann, as it was then, and listening to the news and other programmes. Almost 30 years later, it appears we are going in the wrong direction and moving away from a position where people might tune in to the national station when abroad.

I understand the Tullamore medium wave transmitter could operate, both day and night, at a capacity of up to 500 KW and that the long-wave transmitter is limited to operating at 62.5 KW at night. This means the capacity is reduced by eight times, which must have some impact. People are campaigning strongly in respect of this matter. Was the change from medium to long wave carried out in order to save energy? I do not know whether that was the case. However, a compelling case is being made to the effect that this matter should be assessed independently of RTE. Perhaps the Department could carry out such an assessment in order to be satisfied as to what is the measurement. If the anecdotal information we have received is correct, there is a case to be made for RTE to restore the medium wave service. Questions have been raised in respect of RTE and its presentation in respect of this topic.

We are currently focused on developing an all-island economy. In such circumstances, it is incongruous that the radio signals provided by the national broadcaster are not available on all parts of the island. The latter should be one of the criteria used to assess the acceptability of what is on offer at present.