asked the Minister for Communications the plans, if any, he has regarding local radio; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Local Radio.
2.
I intend to bring legislative proposals to provide a legal framework for the licensing and regulation of local and community radio before the Oireachtas in the current session.
If the Minister is bringing forward legislation will there be a certain amount of public control to ensure a proper balance in broadcasting? Has the Minister decided on that aspect as yet?
It would be totally premature to go into the details of legislation prior to bringing it into the House. It is not my intention to go into that now.
In their manifesto the Fianna Fáil Party promised to develop educational television. Is that being looked at or being done and will the Minister be coming before the House with some proposals in that area?
That seems to be a separate question. This question refers to local radio.
Does the Minister still concur with the view of the Fianna Fáil spokesman when this was discussed previously that the taxpayers should provide the transmitters and give subsidies to stations?
As I said to Deputy Spring, it would be premature to go into the details of legislation prior to bringing it before the House.