Pearse Doherty (Sinn Fein)

I have listened to the Minister of State's response to the amendments I tabled and will not press them at a later stage. I thank him for his contribution on all of them, particularly amendment No. 85a, as he suggested he would consider including sport as one of the criteria for members of the board. We will return to this on Report Stage to see what has been done in this regard and I appreciate the Minister of State's comments.

The Minister of State explained the duties of members in section 87 so I will withdraw that amendment. Regarding members of the audience council, I feel an exception is needed for people who represent those cultural organisations but the Minister of State has made his point and I reserve the right to raise this on Report Stage.

I welcome the Minister of State's comments on amendment No. 90a, particularly the later section, and the fact that the nature and number of hours devoted to the Irish language will be considered on Report Stage. This will be welcomed by political parties across the board along with the Irish language sector outside these Houses.

I have listened to and understand what the Minister of State has said on my other two amendments, particularly amendment No. 128a. The free-to-air television station for emigrants will address this issue to a degree but this was to deal with radio and there was a specific demand in that regard. However, I will not press that amendment.

I thank the Minister of State for his response.