Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I know what it is like being in government and the pressures I was under at particular times. There were issues in my constituency.

The other point I want to make, and I do not think the Leas-Chathaoirleach will be able to comment, is that The Irish Timesproposes to acquire Landmark Media Group. That is being considered. I certainly have an interest in this. I am sure the Minister cannot express a interest anymore on an individual basis. The Roscommon Heraldis part of this proposed acquisition of Landmark Media Group by The Irish Times. The agreement has been reached. I hope this matter will be processed expeditiously because there are far too many delays. The Irish Timesand Landmark Media Investments signed a shared purchase agreement whereby The Irish Timeswill acquire all of the publishing and media interests of the Landmark Media Group. The transaction is subject to a number of conditions, which include receipt of regulatory approvals from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, the Minister and the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland.The process is too slow. Business moves very fast. Independent media outlets are vital but commitments were made by INM to Celtic Media that there would be freedom. Like me, Senator O'Reilly is a member of the committee and he might recall the very detailed debate we had at that time. We were very anxious to protect the integrity of the organisation.

I welcome the Minister's comprehensive contribution. I wish to say "Well done" with regard to An Post and the record profits. I was not very anxious to pay €1 for a stamp and said at the time that it could be a case of the law of diminishing returns, but the chief executive said on "Morning Ireland" earlier that it was very successful and raised extra revenue. Parcel delivery is a growth area, which is very exciting. This is a good news story. The Minister's efforts to protect the sub-post office system are also welcome. I understand he is to make a statement on Friday or at the weekend. That is very positive. It is part of the Minister's portfolio and I welcome that. There was a period during which there was some concern. An Post was in dire straits when the Minister came to office but he took action. It was not particularly popular but it is working out well. The point has been made that we have a national postal service with deliveries every day to every part of Ireland, from Killybegs to Killaloe. Every place gets its post. That is a major achievement and it should be recognised.

I was formerly a Minister of State at the then Department of Posts and Telegraphs in the 1980s. It was an exciting time in that area at that stage, but Departments did not really recognise the advent of the Internet. They should have been more active in that regard and should have had Internet units at every post office to assist people. Even now it would be a great service to offer to farmers and others who do not have access to the Internet. Quite a number of people do not have the capacity to go through the system. That is an area of development.

I compliment our public broadcasters, RTÉ and TG4, TV3 and all the radio stations. Any additional revenue the Minister can generate from the TV licence should be concentrated on local radio, particularly local radio's coverage of current affairs and sport. The Minister's heart is in that area as well. People in Roscommon, Monaghan and Cavan basically get all their information from Shannonside Northern Sound, MidWest Radio and Midlands 103.