Susan O'Keeffe (Labour)

I was not too concerned when I read that Jedward had to cut the number of suits they can take to the Eurovision song contest from 14 to seven. Neither was I hugely concerned - although perhaps a bit disappointed sentimentally - that Larry Gogan would not be travelling to the Eurovision event this year. It is the first time he has not travelled there for many years. One becomes concerned, however, when one realises that the National Symphony Orchestra has had its travel and performance budget curtailed without notice. When one reads that RTE's London office will be closed after the Olympics, one realises that the €25 million in cuts are really beginning to bite. RTE's director general, Mr. Noel Curran, has said that in future the emphasis will be on sport of Irish origin, which most Members of this House would support. RTE's regional news output will be maintained but they will examine ways to make savings through leases and rents.

I ask the Leader to invite the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to attend the House for a debate on what should be occurring at a time of crisis in RTE. The emphasis on regional news and current affairs should be strengthened. At this time, our sense of stability and pride in who we are can be cemented and encouraged by greater regional reporting, rather than by reducing it. When I read those lines, my fear is that this is the thin end of the wedge and we are starting to examine ways of cutting such offices. Those offices are then reduced slowly and entirely over time and it is only a small step before those journalists are taken away at a time when we need the emphasis to be more on the regional differences and the cement that binds us together. Such a debate would be worthwhile and if we had notice of it, we could contribute in a way by bringing forward ideas and suggestions - I realise that cuts have to be made - so that the core value of regional broadcasting and regional news which RTE has held high for many years, would be retained.