Joe O'Toole (Independent)

This morning, I circulated to the Cathaoirleach a proposal that the Order of Business be amended and that, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, the following motion be taken as No. 1 on today's business or, failing that, added to today's business: "That the Broadcasting Act 2009 (Section 33) Levy Order 2010 [S.I. No. 7 of 2010] be and is hereby annulled." The broadcasting industry and local radio stations are on their uppers, having lost 30% and in some cases in excess of 50% of income. Advertising has declined and jobs are being lost. Surely the House would not divide on this issue as I believe Senators on the Government side share my view on it. While I have no interest, one way or another, in this matter, it should be debated in the House.

I ask for the Leader's view on my amendment. The matter is urgent because the relevant order was signed on 22 January and will enter into force, unless annulled by either side, within 21 days. The 21-day period will elapse tomorrow night. I concede that we could discuss the issue tomorrow if a procedural difficulty arises with taking it today. I am not trying to be awkward. The introduction of the levy will result in further job losses and cutbacks in local radio stations. On that basis, I propose my amendment to the Order of Business.

I refer to the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1926 which prohibits licensed premises from opening on Good Friday. As public representatives and legislators, we must examine the reason pubs and restaurants cannot sell drink on Good Friday. Was this prohibition introduced in the interests of the State or to meet the needs of the churches? We need to know where we stand on this issues. Amending the legislation to allow licensed premises to open on Good Friday, especially in Limerick for the match between Munster and Leinster, would be a win-win scenario. I want to make clear what we would be doing in changing the legislation. I am not having a go at any church or believer, but if we were to change the legislation, the net effect would be that while churchgoers and believers could abstain from alcohol on Good Friday on the direction of their church, meanwhile atheists, agnostics, sceptics, heretics and others could imbibe should they wish to do so.