Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

I thank Members for their contributions. As for amendments Nos. 99 to 101, inclusive, relating to the operation of RTE's long wave service, I have considered them as a result of the debate in the House last week. A number of Members raised this issue last week to express serious concern. Consequently, contact was made with RTE with a view to clarifying some of the issues raised at the time.

As Members are aware, primary legislation in the main outlines objectives, rather than the specific operating conditions, technologies, standards or parameters needed to support such objectives. Most people would agree this is a logical approach, given the rapid pace of technological and service development. Section 114(1)(a) sets RTE the objective of providing a broadcasting service to be made available, "in so far as it is reasonably practicable, to the whole community on the island of Ireland". Section 114(1)(f) sets RTE the objective of providing a broadcasting service to "be made available, in so far as RTÉ considers reasonably practicable, to Irish communities outside the island of Ireland". Section 114(1)(d) gives RTE the objective of co-operating with public bodies and preparing the dissemination of public information to the public in the event of an emergency. The Bill as drafted sets RTE these specific objectives. It allows it the latitude to choose the most appropriate economic and technological means to fulfil these objectives and establishes various accountability mechanisms under which RTE accounts for any or all of the decisions it makes.

Members have raised concerns regarding RTE's ability to meet its objectives relating to the provision of services within Ireland and abroad. I believe that RTE takes these objectives seriously. I should point out that a satellite receiver in Ireland or in the United Kingdom can at present tune in to all four of the principal RTE radio services for 24 hours per day, should one so wish. RTE also is planning to extend the radio services to the freesat platform, where they will be easily locatable via the BBC freesat electronic programme guide. This will tie in with the planned provision——