Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am mindful of Senator McDowell's comment in The Sunday Business Postlast weekend. It is important that we recognise the importance of Lyric FM. When RTÉ was in a similar position in 1999, it closed RTÉ local radio in Cork, which provided an important service to the people of Cork. I join the Senators, as I hope other Senators will, in insisting that RTÉ does not close Lyric FM and that it maintains regional broadcasting, including its presence in Fr. Mathew Street in Cork, but also in the context of Lyric FM and the service it provides. RTÉ should also consider what TG4 has done for the promulgation of the Irish language and its coverage of all things cultural. By the same token, comments were made about pirate radio stations, which we all remember and listened to late into the night. Many of those stations became local radio stations and many of the disc jockeys and presenters on them are now serving us very well on local radio.I will be happy to have the Minister, Deputy Madigan, come to the House to discuss RTÉ and its management.

With regard to Senator McDowell's proposed amendment to the Order of Business, I propose, in keeping with my good humour this afternoon and my collegiality, that we allow Members 12 minutes each on Seanad reform and that we give the Minister 12 minutes in which to make an opening statement and ten minutes in which to reply. I am very open to the idea of changing the time limits for Members' contributions. Senator McDowell has made comments in this regard on a number of occasions at meetings of the Seanad Committee on Procedure and Privileges. I am open to the suggestion on examining speaking slots and speaking times. Rather than dividing the House on a matter on which we have views in common, I ask the Senator to consider what I am saying.

Senators Conway-Walsh and Mulherin raised the issue of the beef industry. I join both of them in thanking all involved in the negotiations and in bringing an end to the dispute. We will have statements on the beef industry next Thursday in the House.

Senator Norris referred to Mr. Paul Graham in respect of the passport. I would be happy to have a conversation with the Senator later about the matter. If he believes a Commencement matter is appropriate, it might be a way to proceed. I will be happy to talk to the Senator afterwards.