asked the Minister for Communications the intentions he has regarding the future renewal and use of section 31 of the Broadcasting Act, 1960; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna-Questions. Oral Answers. - Broadcasting Act Order.
9.
The current Order made under section 31 of the Broadcasting Authority Acts 1960-79 does not expire until 19 January 1989. All relevant matters will be taken into consideration when the question of the Order's renewal comes up for review.
Would the Minister indicate his thinking in regard to the future of the order, and in particular having regard to what was, at the time a commitment by the Taoiseach, prior to the last election to have it removed? Is there an intention within the Cabinet to address that commitment?
As I have said, the Order becomes due for renewal on 19 January and the matter will be discussed prior to a decision being taken.
Would the Minister agree that one of the prime considerations he must take into account when coming to consider the renewal of the order is the continued campaign of murder by the IRA, and which is supported by Sinn Féin?
Yes.
May I ask the Minister whether he, as a member of the Cabinet, or the Cabinet have considered the prospect of substituting other legislation in place of section 31, in view of the unsatisfactory way it is working?
The matter of section 31 becomes due for renewal on 19 January and I will make a decision on consultation with the Cabinet at that stage. However, I can tell the Deputy that there has been no suggestion of an alternative to it at this stage.
Deputy Cooney rose.
I am sorry Deputy Cooney, I was going to go on to other questions. The time has arrived to deal with questions to the Minister for Energy.