Rónán Mullen (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Indeed. Local radio stations claim the loyalty of up to two thirds of the public. I would like to see early movement on this issue. A report is due from the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland in April, after which it is proposed to replace the licence with a household broadcasting charge. However, we should be looking at this in terms of it being a public broadcasting charge and there should be a much fairer divvying out of resources to reflect the diversity in the country and the particular and special contribution played by local media.