Kieran O'Donnell (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his comments. I wish to make two quick points. When the Minister meets the RTÉ board, he should stress that it is critical that any decision should include a proper evaluation, particularly concerning the mid-west and Limerick. All options must be considered where Lyric FM is concerned, including the University of Limerick offer and an examination of the current studio. My worry is that this is not just about Lyric FM. It is about outside broadcasting and live broadcasting from the region. Any downgrading of the mid-west regional remit by RTÉ is unacceptable. The proposals that have been made by RTÉ are disproportionate. That is the key feature here. We will be trying to ensure they are not the final decision. The board appears to have chosen measures that are disproportionate for Limerick and the mid-west. When the Minister meets RTÉ, I ask him to request a proper evaluation of those decisions. They do not add up.