asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he proposes to introduce legislation to deal with radio licensing, and the so-called pirate radio stations; and, if so, when such legislation is to be introduced.
17.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Broadcasting Legislation.
16.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs his attitude towards the operators of the illegal radio stations now operating; whether he proposes to take steps to prohibit their activities; and, if so, the nature of any measures proposed.
18.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he proposes to introduce new broadcasting legislation; if so, when; and the purpose of the new legislation.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to answer Questions Nos. 16, 17 and 18 together. Under existing legislation only RTE can be given a licence to operate a broadcasting station. Whether there should be any changes in that position is one of a number of aspects of broad-casting to which I am giving consideration.
As regards my attitude to "pirate" radio stations, I would refer the Deputies to my reply to the debate on the Estimate for my Department on 27 June 1978. On that occasion I stated that the operators of "pirate" radio stations were acting in defiance of the law and that the question of introducing fresh legislation to help further in combating their activities was under consideration.
I will be introducing a Bill in the current session dealing with this matter. The new Bill will provide for much heavier penalties and for making it an offence to collaborate with the operators of "pirate" broadcasting stations.
Can the Minister throw any light on his attitude and the attitude of the Government with regard to the possibility of setting up some sort of an authority which would be able to issue radio licences to responsible bodies and bodies of integrity in this field?
I am not committing myself to anything. I am simply saying that I am examining the whole area.
Can the Minister indicate when this examination will terminate and what his view is of the likelihood of licences being issued to people who do not already hold them?
It would not be proper to give my view now. Ultimately, I will give my view to the Government and they will come to a decision.
When will that be?
I have no idea.
Will the Minister be entering into any consultative procedures prior to the publication of the Bill?
In relation to pirate stations?
Yes.
I have carried out all necessary consultations. The Bill will be discussed in the Dáil.
It is quite clear that Radio Éireann are not answering the needs of the young people who listen to the pirate stations and that they will be exploited. In those circumstances, would the Minister tell us whether it is an option that some community-type organisation will be allowed to establish a radio station?
It would not be right to commit myself in relation to a matter which is being studied. The Deputy referred to the type of music being played by pirate stations. To some degree Radio 2 will make provision for that type of music. The Deputy will agree that a station with a relatively short range cannot provide for local needs if it provides only one type of music. A radio station should provide a variety of programmes.
In relation to possible community radio services, would the Minister consider entering into consultations with community associations who might be interested in such developments prior to making his decision?
Not in relation to pirate radio stations. It has been impressed upon me by Deputies and many others that this matter should be dealt with urgently. I have considered every aspect of the matter and I propose to introduce the Bill during this session.
Is it reasonable to assume that the Minister has not excluded the possibility of issuing licences to people other than to RTE?
I have not excluded anything but that does not mean that I have come to any decision in the matter.
(Interruptions.)
Order, please. There are many important questions down to the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs.
Arising out of the Minister's reply in which he stated that he had consultations with a number of different interests, may I ask the Minister with whom he had those consultations?
I did not say that. What I referred to were consultations with other Departments, and within my own.
Since the Minister has indicated that he has made a firm decision in regard to a Bill to be introduced this session, which will provide for heavier penalties, is there a reasonable inference that this Bill will not provide for anything else by way of independent broadcasting?
I have already given permission to RTE to provide a second national channel.
I am referring to independent broadcasting, not to the State authority. Is this a reasonable inference in view of the decision which appears to have been taken?
That it will not refer to introducing licences for outside bodies?
Yes.
Does the Minister propose to take action to ensure that the enormous demand for local radio is met? Does he agree that legislation merely banning pirates will not solve the problem? Will he not agree there is an enormous demand for local community radio, and what is he going to do about it?
I accept that there is a demand and this is one of the things I am taking into consideration. I pointed that out in my original reply.