Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the announcement this morning by the Government on the cut in fees to be paid by independent broadcasters. There are many community and local radio stations and many elderly people are so dependent on them to keep them company. In my area, there are three radio stations. There are two in different parts of the county and one based in Limerick city. The news is very welcome. The proposal is to have no fees for some radio stations and to reduce fees by 50% for others, depending on the size. Small radio stations are struggling to keep going.