Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael)

I am disappointed that the Minister of State is not accepting the amendments Senator Norris and I have proposed. The Bill asks RTE to provide coverage in so far as it is reasonably practical to do so. That is not acceptable, however, because we should have blanket coverage for the entire island. RTE radio programmes should also be broadcast to our emigrant communities in the UK and the Continent. It is not my intention to rehearse the compelling arguments that have been advanced for doing this, other than to note the need to legislate for the possibility of emergencies. The current reduced power long wave transmissions will not suffice in the event of an emergency. I have also set out the moral case in respect of our emigrants and the fact that parts of the south east of Ireland are affected by a buzzing sound at night.

I am aware the Minister of State responded positively to earlier amendments, so I reserve the right, with my colleague, Senator Norris, to resubmit these amendments on Report Stage in anticipation of a positive response. We cannot leave this matter to anyone else because we have a legislative duty and a moral prerogative to our emigrants, the Good Friday Agreement and this country's commercial and cultural interests. We could speak about the matter until midnight but there is no need to do so because the major points have been made. However, we cannot allow the resolution of this ambiguity to the goodwill of others or to allow RTE to provide coverage only in so far as it is reasonably practical to do so. That will not suffice because the answer must be definite.

Our emigrant communities in England, including great people in London, Coventry, Manchester and Birmingham, are watching and listening to this debate. They need a proper radio signal but they also need a signal from the Legislature that we are on their side. We should be nowhere else but with them.