(Mayo): I support the views of my colleague, Deputy Ring. It is very difficult to compete with that kind of oratory, or that kind of conviction or passion. However, we are singing from the same hymn sheet. I am at a loss to know why these stations which have proven their credentials, which have been subjected to the most rigorous of standards, which are constantly being surveyed by the Independent Radio and Television Commission, and have met the most rigorous of standards, cannot be taken at face value and be deemed automatically to have the right to licence renewal. The Minister in her amendment No. 106 is to some extent attempting to address the concerns of the radio stations. However, it would be too bad if their track record was not taken into consideration. Their bona fides are proven on the basis of their track record. I cannot understand why they cannot be guaranteed continuity of their licence for the next few years, by virtue of the fact that they have come from very small beginnings – many of them have come out of the twilight zone of the pirate stations – they have proven their credentials and have built a very strong and credible track record. That is all that is being sought.
On having proven their worth and their credentials, local radios have been universally successful in tapping in to the feelings and spirit of the local community and in enhancing the local community, as Deputy Ring and the other speakers said. All one has to do is look at the range of programmes they provide. Not alone do they provide top quality local news, they also provide huge community service by way of providing amplification for local community functions and various fetes and occasions.
Not alone that, they have given communities confidence in their identity, their individuality and their own worth. They have done a huge amount in terms of building morale within communities. These communities would be largely ignored if they were depending on the national television or radio service. In fairness it would be impossible for a national station to give the kind of blanket universal coverage required. The local stations have provided a huge service for the local communities. In addition, they have also provided a sounding board and a platform. They are the very essence of democracy in allowing people freedom of speech in relation to what local people think about a range or issues, political and otherwise.
It would be ironic and wrong if the blanket of protection was removed from them at this stage because they are still at an embryonic stage of development. Many of them have invested heavily in studios, building, equipment and staff. Very often they have developed a top class broadcaster only to see that individual poached by somebody else. However, there is very little they can do about it. In that regard they provide an invaluable service in terms of grooming talent at local level, such as young journalists, bringing them from the fledgling stage to a considerable stage of maturity only then to have them snatched from under their noses. They provide an invaluable service in terms of grooming a considerable amount of local talent from the point of view of culture, music and the range of local activities that are nurtured by local radio. They have invested heavily and, without grant-aid, have developed into top class local facilities.
Many are at a stage when they thought they could commence stage two of their development. My local radio station in Mayo, which is also that of Deputy Ring and others, provides a service to Roscommon and north and east Galway. It has elaborate investment and development plans for phase two. What bank manager in his sane senses would give a loan to a company when there is a question mark hanging over its future? Despite the Minister's assurance that, from the point of view of being granted a licence, their track record will speak for itself, there is no guarantee of that. I do not understand why an exception cannot be made for these cases.
I support the amendment and commend Deputy Clune for tabling it. We are not doing this out of pragmatism or for our political welfare but out of a belief that these people have proved their worth, have a proven track record, passed the most rigorous scrutiny tests, reached the highest possible standards and there is no reason they should not be allowed to continue to do so.
