Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senators O'Toole, Leyden, Coffey, Walsh, McFadden, Norris, Buttimer and McCarthy expressed their serious concerns about the broadcasting levy order and moved an amendment to the Order of Business. As a result of the collapse in advertising, revenues to radio stations, and probably also to the national broadcaster, are down by 30%. This is the difficulty that is now being experienced and that must be addressed. As you know, a Chathaoirligh, the Minister is acutely aware of this problem and is actively working to find a solution, not just in the short term but also in the form of sustainable funding for the independent broadcasting sector into the future. We all welcome the fact that the Minister is giving this serious consideration.