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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 6 Nov 1986

Vol. 369 No. 7

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Local Radio Commission.

22.

asked the Minister for Communications if he will outline the work of the interim Local Radio Commission; and if they have made any submissions regarding a framework for the establishment of local radio.

The interim Local Radio Commission was appointed to undertake the necessary preliminary planning and organisational work to facilitate the introduction of local and community radio services as soon as the Local Radio Bill is enacted, and has been evolving a policy to this end. The commission has indicated to me on an informal basis its views on a number of issues. However, I do not consider it appropriate to detail in more precise terms the work undertaken by the interim Local Radio Commission to date as it will be a matter for the commission, when statutorily appointed, to formulate its own policy in regard to the framework for local community radio within the parameters of the relevant legislation.

Will the Minister confirm the reported revelations in a British magazine by Colm Kenny, a journalist working in NIHE, in relation to the negotiations taking place between the Minister and members of the Labour Party in relation to the legislation for local radio? Furthermore, would the Minister say whether the interim Local Radio Commission have been consulted in relation to the new proposals the Minister is at present putting forward?

I have not read the article to which the Deputy referred so I cannot talk about its authenticity or otherwise. But it is an open secret that there have been discussions between myself and Deputy Bell, the Chairman of the Parliamentary Labour Party, to ascertain whether we can overcome the obstacles which have arisen in respect of the Local Radio Bill. I might repeat what I have already said: I consider the present situation to be most unsatisfactory. I should very much like to do something about it but I am not going to do something about it that I do not believe would be right. I should prefer to do nothing than take decisions just for the sake of coming up with any old solution, thereby possibly worsening the position with regard to broadcasting in the future. I want to bring about a lasting, legal framework for broadcasting in this country which will withstand the test of time and also provide for a vibrant, competitive, interesting radio network to which people will want to listen.

Would the Minister confirm his proposals to delete 17 sections of the Bill which was circulated in this House and which was debated here, Second Stage having commenced in July, 1985? Would he make public exactly what is on the table in relation to——

That is anticipating the debate on the Bill.

The debate on the Bill is being anticipated by the discussion taking place behind closed doors between the Parliamentary Labour Party and the Fine Gael Party in relation to legislation. There is a Bill before this House. I am entitled to ask the Minister exactly what is going on behind closed doors. Would he at least let the public know what is on his mind, what negotiations are taking place and say whether he is prepared to compromise his principles on the altar of expediency to ensure the survival of this Government——

About my principles, I can say they will not be compromised. The Deputy can be assured of that. I hope we can bring legislation before the House which will withstand the test of time. In this regard I look forward to having Deputy Leyden's assistance. When talking about expediency he might think about relaxing his own.

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