asked the Minister for Communications if he will approve a proposal to allow RTE to commence immediately a new radio service to cater for "middle of the road music" using the existing FMI radio network.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - RTE Music Service.
7.
No such proposal has been received.
Does the Minister agree that as Minister responsible for RTE he should initiate developments in relation to broadcasting as part of his policy and portfolio? As a matter of policy does he think it appropriate that we should have a new national radio service which would give an opportunity to Irish producers, broadcasters and entertainers to provide a service?
That is using this question, which is in order, to raise a number of other matters which would not be in order. I will not allow that to develop.
I ask the Minister as the person in charge of policy if he would consider it appropriate to initiate the development of a third national radio service which is badly required and is sought by broadcasters and entertainers generally. Neither the RTE 1 nor the RTE 2 radio service caters adequately for them at present.
I have received complaints to the effect that a number of Irish artistes and that Irish orginated music are not getting enough of what they call "needle time" on RTE and I asked the Chairman and the Director General of RTE to meet a deputation from the music industry to discuss that. I do not have any proposal to set up a "middle of the road" channel, as it was described. Already we have three national radio services — RTE Radio 1, RTE Radio 2 and Radio na Gaeltachta. There is a proposal for a fourth service, a long wave one. The detailed submission on that, which was received recently in my Department, is being considered. If RTE have any proposals in this respect I will be glad to hear them, but I do not have any personal proposals to put forward on the matter.
The Minister told the House that he was arranging for a deputation from the music industry to be received by the Director General, but I should like to ask him to state that he is in favour of such a development and is prepared to provide the funds needed. The Minister controls the air waves, the licence to RTE. The station cannot go ahead on its own initiative to develop such a service. Will the Minister announce his general approval for such a development which would be of major benefit to the Irish entertainment business?
That does not arise on this question.
In my view that question does arise.
The question relates to an application, but the Deputy is widening it over the whole question of policy of RTE and that does not arise under this question.