RTÉ Radio 1 will be introducing a new programme on a trial basis at weekends on its medium-wave and long-wave channels, despite complaints by Irish emigrants who will loose access to coverage of Irish sports.
RTÉ decided to introduce the new programme, called Second Helpings, after continuing complaints that sports programmes dominated the station over the weekends and that listeners not interested in sports had little choice.
"Second Helpings will be set up on a trial basis and RTÉ have set up an address for people to give feedback," said Jennifer Taaffe, senior press officer at RTÉ Radio.
This comment came in response to the Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern's appeal to the radio station to rethink plans that would result in Irish people overseas losing access to the station's coverage of Irish sports.
The new programme will repeat some of the weekday music and speech programmes and will cover topics such as art, poetry, theatre, Irish heritage and gardening, among others.
"We are delighted to be able to give our audience an opportunity to join us at their leisure on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, to hear the best of the features, arts and drama output of RTÉ Radio 1," said Lorelei Harris, RTÉ Radio 1's editor of features, arts and drama.
Commenting on the concerns raised by the Minister, Ms Taaffe said "we are aware that some people may be affected by the programme change. However, we have no research into the number of people affected."
The new programme will be aired from Saturday July 2nd and will run from 3pm on Saturdays and from 2pm on Sundays.
Cathal Goan, RTÉ's director general, will meet Mr Ahern this weekend to discuss the matter.
People can email the station at radio@rte.ie with their comments.