Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael)

My amendments Nos. 98 and 99 are similar to Senator White's amendment No. 97 and Senator Doherty's amendment No. 97a. Like Senator White, I feel strongly about these proposals. I appeal to the Minister of State to round off the evening on a positive note by accepting our proposals, which are of extraordinary importance. The more I examined this issue, met the interest groups and came to appreciate the exciting potential of the independent radio sector for the State and what it had already achieved, the more persuaded I became of the necessity of support for the sector. I am almost fundamentalist in my conviction that this is the right action to take.

I spoke on Second Stage about the specific achievements of the independent radio sector, including award-winning productions at local and national level. The independent radio sector is a new and exciting development in Irish broadcasting. It is made up of small companies and individuals based in at least 13 counties making high quality radio programmes in a wide range of genres, including documentaries and features, art and music, children's radio, drama, science and technology, popular music and entertainment. It is an indigenous industry in 13 counties that is creating jobs for our creative fraternity and it has the potential to create more jobs. It can keep the genius of this sector of the population in this country by giving its members employment and making their genius available as a rich resource for the betterment of all our lives. It is important that we recognise its indigenous quality, hold onto it and not export these people for want of opportunity at home.

Independent radio producers work closely with broadcasters to bring a greater variety of programmes to listeners in a cost effective manner. The sector is bringing different voices and viewpoints as well as a strong regional content to Irish radio. It is in the interest of listeners to grant it a secure national platform on RTE radio. This is an important point. It means bringing local and regional voices onto the airwaves and focusing on communities, areas and issues such as the Troubles in Northern Ireland as they affected local communities. The recent documentary by Mary Owens on Hanna Greally in Roscommon is an example. The tragic life of Hanna Greally, the author of Bird's Nest Soup and an extraordinary woman who had a unique and difficult existence, was worthy of study. That study and studies of Northern Ireland, young people and culture are hugely important. I recall the beautiful documentary about the dreadful fire and resulting tragedy in the Poor Clare convent in Cavan town 40 or 50 years ago that was broadcast on local radio.

The Broadcasting Bill introduces a requirement for RTE to commission programmes from the independent radio production sector. That is an innovative provision. The fact that the requirement is included is welcome and an important advance. I commend that aspect of the Bill. However, the Bill does not provide adequate funding for the growth and viability of the sector. Therein lies the reason for the amendment. An annual sum of €0.5 million for independent radio production will bring negligible benefits for RTE radio listeners. A more secure foundation is required to allow the sector to expand, innovate and invest in capital and new talent, as happened in the independent television sector 15 years ago.

The requirement is a great advance but the level of funding for independent radio must be such as to give the sector viability. What can happen as a consequence is exciting. It is also exciting to think of the requirement there will be on third level institutions to produce graduates for this sector. There could be a large spin-off. It could be an exciting sector if it is properly funded and given impetus. For this reason I am proposing an amendment to raise the minimum amount guaranteed for independent radio production in the RTE independent programme account from 1.25% per annum to reach 5% within five years. This would bring the amount for independent radio production from €500,000 per annum to a modest €2 million per annum by year five.

What is logical about this amendment and should be persuasive for the Minister of State and the Department is the fact that the figure is increased incrementally; it is not a wildcat figure but is set at a reasonable pitch. That is perhaps the most important aspect of the amendment. The Bill increases the RTE independent programme account to €40 million per year and guarantees a minimum of 90.5% for independent television production. We are happy with the provision to adequately fund the independent television producers. There is no conflict with that. It would be bizarre if there were or if any Member of the House suggested any limitation or barrier be imposed on our independent television producers. On the contrary, we wish to enhance and encourage that sector.

What we are discussing, however, is the disparity that exists at present and the lack of a level playing pitch for our independent radio producers. A modest level is proposed in the amendment. When framing the amendment we were anxious to produce one of sufficiently reasonable quality that it could and should be readily accepted. Our independent radio production sector deserves our support so radio audiences can enjoy the benefit of independent production in the same way as television audiences in Ireland have over the last 15 years.

I propose that the increase be incremental so the independent radio production sector can expand its capacity and output in line with the needs of RTE. This will enhance the Bill. It is in the spirit of the legislation. We are anxious to have the increase enshrined in the legislation in an incremental, gradual, realistic and modest fashion. I appeal to the Minister of State not to divide the House on this. If we have to divide on it, we will because we feel strongly about it. The Minister of State should accept that this issue is almost above division. It is a matter of the well-being of our society and the independent radio sector, as well as the cultural enhancement of our country and quality of life. There are so many profound issues involved, it would be bizarre to divide a legislative assembly, particularly the Upper House of the country, on such an issue but if we have to, we will. I hope that will not be the outcome and that the Minister of State can accept this in the positive spirit in which he accepted other amendments. This is a genuine effort to enhance the Bill and nothing else. It is an attempt to enhance and empower a sector that is important to our country. We are proud to have it in 13 counties where it harnesses our own personnel and their natural genius and creativity. We should do nothing to stultify it but give it full support. I hope the Minister of State accepts the amendment.