asked the Minister for Communications the number of illegal radio stations at present operating in this country; their location and name; if he has received complaints of interference with ambulance communications; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Illegal Radio Stations.
135.
It is estimated that there are about seventy such stations operating at present at various locations in the country. My Department have not got information on all such stations in the detail requested by the Deputy. My Department have no complaints of interference from illegal broadcasting stations to ambulance communications on hands at present.
I intend to seek Government approval to reintroduce the Broadcasting and Wireless Telegraphy Bill, 1985 in the autumn session in parallel with the introduction of legislation to provide a legal framework for the licensing of local and community radio services. In the meantime pirate radio stations are liable to action under the Wireless Telegraphy Acts particularly if they cause interference to safety of life radio services.