The new Broadcasting Bill, introduced in the Seanad recently, allows for the provision of TV broadcasting services outside Ireland, which would enable Irish communities overseas to access RTA television. However, proposals to have the bill extended to include radio broadcasts are currently being examined.

The issue has been raised by a host of emigrant groups, who have lobbied for the inclusion of radio broadcasts under the legislation. Senator David Norris recently raised the issue in the Seanad and called for the legislation to be widened.

As well as the Federation of Irish Societies (UK), Irish Overseas Broadcasting and other emigrant groups, the issue has been raised by Age Action Ireland, the Consumers Association of Ireland, and the National Council for the Blind.

According to Enda O'Kane of Irish Overseas Broadcasting, the inclusion of radio broadcasts in the bill would be a huge boost for emigrant communities, especially the elderly and the marginalised.

"We would like to stress the importance of a radio service as an important medium particularly well-suited to the needs of older and more marginalised emigrants, as well as those who are visually impaired, " he said.

The National Council for the Blind said that a radio service would be invaluable to Irish emigrants suffering from poor sight.