Jimmy Harte (Labour)

On the call made by Senator Healy Eames in respect of RTE and value for money, I have spoken to some people associated with broadcasting, film making and programming. Members will notice that during the forthcoming summer, RTE will be obliged to broadcast reruns because all the available money will have been diverted to coverage of the Euro 2012 championship and the Olympics. There will be no funds left to develop new programmes. RTE does not appear to have a plan and many people who are not direct employees but who have found work on particular programmes will be let go. Consequently, Members will notice the broadcasting of reruns during the summer. The function of RTE, however, should be to produce home-grown programmes and talent.

I call on the Minister, Deputy Rabbitte, to come to the House to explain a report from Donegal to the effect that the council has no power to ban hydraulic fracturing, or fracking. Many county councils have passed motions to ban fracking in their areas of responsibility, but according to a report today from the donegaldaily.com news website, a quote from an unnamed source states it is an utter waste of time because councils do not have the power to outlaw it. Perhaps the Minister might clarify this point. If fracking is being banned by local authorities throughout the country without any effect, the councils should be made aware of that. Alternatively, the Minister, Deputy Rabbitte, should clarify that if a council bans the practice of fracking, it is banned.