asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is aware of the growing demand for alternative radio and the consequent implications for RTE; and, if so, the steps he proposes to take to deal with the situation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Alternative Radio Station.
2.
I would refer the Deputy to my replies of 7 February to a question by Deputy Ruairi Quinn regarding RTE's plans for community radio services and to questions by Deputies Ruairi Quinn and Jim Mitchell regarding an unlicensed broadcasting station. This matter is still the subject of consultation between my Department and RTE.
Is the Minister aware that the problem appears to be that whereas there is a very strong demand for alternative radio the RTE Authority are unable to meet this demand because the Government will not provide them with money? Is it not a fact that the RTE Authority did not get the money to finance their proposed programme and that inevitably there has been a growth of pirate stations? When will the Minister make up his mind about this?
I do not agree that RTE cannot provide for the demand. The position is that I am having further consultations with RTE on this and as soon as I clear the various aspects of it I will be in touch with RTE on the matter.
Can we take it from what the Minister has said that his objective is to go some way at least to meet this enormous demand for alternative radio?
Yes, I am doing what I can in that respect.
And it is a question of when?
Question No. 3.
It is not really, it is a question of being satisfied with the discussions with RTE.
(Interruptions.)
Would the Minister consider any applications for private licences for broadcasting in Dublin irrespective of who they come from?
At the moment I am dealing with RTE and I have only authority to deal with RTE because it is the only organisation which is entitled to be licensed.
Would the Minister agree that competition would be healthy for RTE?
Could the Minister say when we are likely to have a decision on this matter?
I hope it will be reasonably soon.
Question No. 3.