Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Go raibh míle maith agat. I very much welcome the Minister to the House and acknowledge his recognition of the contribution the commercial radio sector is making to broadcasting, including the many local radio stations. In that regard I should declare, as I have already, a small interest in one of those stations.

I commend the Minister's realism about the rapidly-changing environment and note his point that it is worth considering whether the obligation for commercial radio to provide a minimum of 20% news and current affairs content is necessary or desirable. I was struck by what Senators Mooney and Ó Domhnaill said. The JNLR figures are huge for the programmes provided by these stations, particularly their news content and morning slots. That is the case for Highland Radio, Midlands Radio, Radio Kerry, thanks be to God----