asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will favourably consider applications for licensing local radio and TV stations as nearly all advisers and personnel are Dublin based and as a consequence virtually all radio and TV programmes have a Dublin orientated outlook.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answer. - Local Radio and TV Station.
35.
I assume the Deputy has in mind applications for licences from individuals or organisations other than Radio Telefís Éireann. I am advised that new legislation would be necessary to enable such broadcasting licences to be granted. No change in existing legislation of the kind in question is contemplated. I should add that I do not accept the reasoning which appears to have prompted the Deputy's question.
Have there been any applications for licences for local radio stations?
There were three applications for licences over the past ten or 11 years but we have had no application for a television station licence.
Would the Minister not agree that there is a very definite need to have local radio stations since we find that most programmes are Dublin-orientated.
Does Deputy Crowley never look at "Southside"?
That is just performed by Dubliners. We have Fine Gael TDs who can walk on to the "Late Late Show" without any inhibitions.
(Interruptions.)
I think the Minister should reply seriously to that part of the question regarding local radio and television stations.
There is no pressing demand from Irish listeners for local radio stations.