Lyric FM and public broadcasting response
The Leader continued at length on Lyric FM, defending regional broadcasting and saying he had long supported keeping the station in Limerick while noting a future debate on public service broadcasting with the Minister. Gavan and others interjected, but the Leader reiterated his support for regional bases and thanked Gavan for his remarks.
He and those in the Sinn Féin press office can put up videos of me laughing, as they have done in the past.
Comment on this
I will make my point. I will say it very clearly. Long before today-----
Comment on this
I do not want Senators addressing one another across the floor. They should speak through the Chair.
Comment on this
I am addressing the Senator through the Chair. Long before today, I worked in local radio in Cork, which was closed by RTÉ in 1999. I did not see too many of the people on the Fianna Fáil or Sinn Féin benches protesting about the closure of RTÉ radio in Cork at that time.
Comment on this
Was it because Senator Buttimer was working there?
Comment on this
I ask Senator Gavan to go back and check my comments in this House on the responsibility RTÉ has to public service broadcasting in the regions, including Limerick. I know Cork will benefit from Lyric FM moving to the city but that should not be the way.
Comment on this
Senator Kieran O'Donnell can now see what the Leader is about.
Comment on this
Lyric FM should remain in Limerick. I am all for regional broadcasting and recognise its importance. That includes Lyric FM being located in Limerick, RTÉ having a base in Cork city at its current headquarters on Father Mathew Street and RTÉ increasing its programming output from the regions. I have been clear on that.
Comment on this
If the Senator will let me finish-----
Comment on this
That was my intent before Senator Gavan and others raised the matter today. To be fair, long before today, Senators Byrne and Kieran O'Donnell raised this matter on the Order of Business, as did many other Senators at the time the future of Lyric FM was in question.
Comment on this
Thankfully, the future of Lyric FM has been secured. The battle now will be to have the station remain in Limerick. I have no problem with that because I know many of the presenters who work from Limerick and travel to the city to work make a fine contribution.
Senator Ó Céidigh referred to requests he had made. The Minister will be in the House next Tuesday for a debate on the future of public service broadcasting. That is an important debate.
I join Senator Gavan in wishing Neil Young a happy 75th birthday. It is a rolling stone. We wish him a happy birthday and thank him for his contribution to the music industry.