Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I agree with Senator O'Toole's views on RTE. We should not be going backwards. Some 30 years ago I had a radio programme on RTE and it was received widely across Scotland, on the Welsh coast and in Liverpool, Manchester and Coventry. Even when there was a full-blown medium wave service, it was always difficult to broadcast a signal to the north London area.

What is happening represents a retrograde step on the part of RTE. The station published its accounts earlier today and these indicate that its radio service is showing a profit. At a time when the backs of those who run companies are to the wall, the national broadcaster is not playing its part. That never happened in the past. Cathal Goan, the chief executive of RTE, is one of the greatest Irishmen I have ever known and he should intervene immediately.

I suggest that the Minister of State give serious consideration to investigating this matter before Report Stage. The House would then be in a position to make a decision in respect of it. While I agree with the majority of Senator Walsh's remarks, I am of the view that this matter is far too serious to be left to an independent inquiry. Immediate action is required. If we can promote Irish products abroad by means of advertisements on RTE radio, why are we not using the transmitter in the Slieve Bloom mountains, which has huge capacity, to send signals far and wide across most of Europe? RTE has been granted a licence to broadcast such signals. What is happening is that pennies are being saved but euros are being lost, which is completely unacceptable.

Previous speakers referred to the fishermen and radio broadcasts. We are all concerned about the fishing industry. The marine is a valuable national resource. The Gaelic Athletic Association has made a tremendous contribution to society for many years. However, we are turning our backs on these interests. People in the UK have for many years listened to broadcasts of Gaelic games each Sunday on RTE. As a result, Ireland and its culture have been promoted in that jurisdiction since 1926.

I am concerned with regard to the broadcast of mass and the services of other denominations on Sunday mornings. It is a disgrace that we are obliged to listen to particular programmes each Sunday morning. Why in the name of goodness do we not switch our attention away from the commercial world on Sundays to allow those unfortunate people who are confined to their homes and who may not be fit enough to attend church to listen to religious services? Why are such services — Catholic, Protestant or whatever — not broadcast for the benefit of those to whom I refer?