Seanad debates

Tuesday, 24 September 2019

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

 

2:30 pm

Photo of Kieran O'DonnellKieran O'Donnell (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I want to raise the issue of RTÉ Lyric FM, which was raised by my colleagues, Senators McDowell and Norris. Lyric FM is based in Limerick city. I met its staff yesterday and they are extremely concerned. Someone set off a flare gun on "Prime Time" more than a week ago out of the blue. The staff were not aware of the possibility of a threat to Lyric FM. What is required is clarity about its future, both as RTÉ Lyric FM and that it will continue to be based in Limerick city. I have a letter dated 20 February 1997 in which the then Minister with responsibility for the arts and now President, Michael D. Higgins, approved the establishment of RTÉ Lyric FM. It came on foot of a Government Green Paper and RTÉ actively pursued the setting up of Lyric FM. It has been a resounding success. It has retained it numbers. It provides quality programmes. It is branded. Twenty three staff members are based in Lyric FM. In terms of its cost, the licence fee goes directly to what its does, which is to broadcast classical music. Its remit should be extended to the arts. It covers snippets of the arts but RTÉ in terms of Lyric FM has a wealth of experience. I want the message to go out loud and clear from this Chamber that RTÉ must give an uncategorical assurance that Lyric FM will be maintained-----

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