Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

I am sympathetic to the points that were raised by Senator O'Toole and he has acknowledged my amendment No. 76 as including representation from the Gaeltacht in the bodies we are creating. RTE's website does include Irish language material, especially in its Irish language output. The Bill also allows the use of public money on the website for the first time. I would like to see the use of Irish developed on the website, recognising that it is a central part of the communications infrastructure for the public sector broadcaster.

Amendment No. 14 is related to the website of the new authority. The Official Languages Act 2003 allows the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs to require a range of bodies, including the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland, to set out a scheme on how it deals with the public through Irish. There is a mechanism that makes sure we are involved in promoting the use of Irish in our everyday communications.

I would be happy to consider amendment No. 18 and see whether we can introduce a similar amendment when the Bill goes to the Dáil. It would reflect the desire to stimulate and promote the language rather than just to facilitate its use. While I cannot accept either of the amendments as drafted, there is merit in what is being proposed. I will reflect on what we have heard on the issue with a view to amending the Bill further in the Dáil. I hope that is satisfactory to Senator O'Toole.