Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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458. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his Department has had, at political or official level, discussions with Irish emigrant groups in Britain regarding the proposal by RTÉ to close the long wave radio service; if the widespread concerns regarding this proposal have been conveyed to RTÉ; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49071/14]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Since RTE announced their plan to close their longwave radio service, I have followed the situation closely.

Visiting Britain, I have heard first-hand the concerns raised by members of the Irish community about the proposed closure, in particular the concerns of the older members of our community.

My colleague, Jimmy Deenihan T.D., the Minister of State for Diaspora Affairs, has also met with concerned groups and individuals, and our Embassy in London stays in ongoing contact with them.

While this is an operational matter for RTE, I have written to the Director General of RTE to draw his attention to the depth of concern among the Irish community in Britain about the proposed closure.

I welcome the fact that the closure, initially planned for October, has been deferred until January and I hope that the interim period can be used to find a satisfactory solution for all concerned.