I want to raise the conversation here and approach the Minister to look at independent radio and the funding of independent broadcasting. I met with representatives of Ocean FM, Shannonside FM and Midwest Radio. The service they provide, particularly in rural areas, is second to none. They are providing a public service, particularly regarding deaths, political coverage, current affairs, school closures and sport. They promote Irish music all the time, particularly local music.

They have been hit with a 39% increase in their levy this year. It is unfair that they are paying a disproportionate levy to compensate other areas of broadcasting. It is not okay. We need to change the Broadcasting Act to look at this. It may be different in bigger cities but where we live in the north west, Ocean FM is the public service. I would not have got elected to politics if it was not for Ocean FM featuring people that are new to politics and relevant current affairs stories. The Minister needs to step up, intervene and look at the levy being charged. There has been a 39% increase, which is crippling independent radio. They go above and beyond their duty in covering current affairs and news but the new funding models mean they have to keep producing additional programmes. It is making it difficult for them to operate the current affairs programmes they do at the moment. Funding streams need to be looked at. Of course, I agree with having a public broadcaster like RTÉ but there is a disproportionate emphasis. Others are providing a service in rural areas in particular and the Minister needs to step up. They provide local jobs and are accessible to TY students. They get a lot of people on placements. They provide a wraparound service to communities. The Minister needs to get real about it.