Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I second the amendment. I spoke at length on this issue when RTE was getting rid of its medium wave service. We made the case that people abroad tuned into sports events in Ireland and enjoyed a very good reception. We were told the new regime would result in greater efficiency but this efficiency did not apply to reception. Deception was evident in RTE's answer to questions on its getting rid of the medium wave service. It is paramount that RTE have the highest possible power output, as the amendment seeks, with a view to ensuring listeners in Ireland, the United Kingdom and further afield receive the reception to which they are entitled and to which those who pay a licence fee are entitled.

Conflicting information was received from RTE on this issue and it will have to be sorted out. If it tells a committee of the Oireachtas one story and tells another to the Minister, it should be hauled in straight away by the Minister and asked specifically for the truth. Will the Minister of State ensure this as a matter of urgency, such that Members of the Oireachtas will know the exact position, as they and the public are entitled to know?