asked the Minister for Communications (a) the number of occasions since 31 March 1987 on which search for and/or seizure of unlicensed wireless telegraphy apparatus has been officially carried out; and in each case, the name of the person or company on whose premises such search and/or seizure has taken place and (b) the number of occasions in the same period on which prosecutions have been brought for the unlicensed possession or use of wireless telegraphy apparatus; and if in each case, the name of the defendant.
Written Answers. - Unlicensed Wireless Telegraphy Apparatus.
14.
Since 31 March 1987 my Department has carried out seven searches under the Wireless Telegraphy Acts for unlicensed apparatus for wireless telegraphy. Equipment was seized on four occasions.
Unlicensed apparatus for wireless telegraphy was seized from the premises of Mr. Eobhain McDonnell in Drogheda on 15 April 1987 and from the premises of Mr. T. C. G. O'Mahoney in Merrion Square, Dublin on 29 October 1987. A premises in Cork believed to be a site of an illegal rebroadcasting system was searched on three occasions on 16 September, 21 October and 4 November 1987. Equipment was seized but following testing in my Department it was found not to be apparatus for wireless telegraphy. As no illegal activity has been proved in this case, I do not propose to reveal the name of the owner of the premises. There were two seizures of equipment which was part of an illegal rebroadcasting system serving Roscrea in County Tipperary. There was insufficient evidence obtained to prosecute. Again, I do not propose to reveal the name of the suspected operator.
Over the same period seven prosecutions have been brought for possession of unlicensed apparatus for wireless telegraphy. These are as follows:
|
Date and place of Hearing |
Defendant |
|
1. 28 April 1987 in Limerick |
Michael Normoyle |
|
2. 18 June 1987 in Newbridge |
Noel O'Brien |
|
3. 8 July 1987 in Naas |
Enda O'Bracken |
|
4. 7 October 1987 in Dublin |
D.C.R. Media Services Ltd., trading as KISS F.M. |
|
5. 12 January 1988 in Cappawhite |
Starbust Ltd., and James Buckley |
|
6. 15 April 1988 in Drogheda |
Eobhain McDonnell |
|
7. 23 May 1988 in Dublin |
T.C.G. O'Mahony |