Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

While I welcome the Minister's increase to not less than 3%, I am inclined to agree with the arguments that it should be greater. I am sure the Minister wants a vibrant independent radio producing sector providing good quality programmes. Between this Stage and when the Bill goes to the Dáil, will the Minister consider a ministerial regulation without recourse to further legislation to increase the allocation if it sticks at the 3%?

The programmes that will be produced by the independent broadcasters should be available not just to RTE, a point I highlighted earlier. There is tremendous potential in this area. Good quality television programmes have come from the independent production sector. I hope this can be replicated in the radio sector.