Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

In light of these repressive measures and the threat of EU sanctions, it might be opportune to invite the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Pat Rabbitte, to the House for a debate on the media landscape in Ireland. There are many questions and challenges now facing broadcasting in this country. I do not suggest linking in any way what I described concerning Hungary to the Irish situation - thankfully - but there are questions surrounding the introduction of digital television, the crushing cost to RTE for that introduction, the reduced advertising revenue radio stations now experience, nationally and locally, and the plans for the renewal of licences at local level by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland.

All of these issues, and perhaps many other matters, could be discussed if the Minister, Deputy Rabbitte, were to come to the House to outline the Government's views on them. It would afford Senators an opportunity to have a wide-ranging debate.

In light of my comments about the Hungarian situation-----