asked the Minister for Communications the number of illegal radio stations currently broadcasting; the steps which are planned to deal with this; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Illegal Radio Stations.
2.
On 31 December 1988 there were about 70 illegal radio stations on air. There remain seven which continue to broadcast despite the introduction of the Broadcasting and Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1988. Action has already been taken against some stations. The operators of all stations are liable to action by my Department and on conviction are liable to heavy penalties.
All such stations will be closed down by my Department.
Can the Minister explain why he cannot close down these stations? He does not have to be reminded of his solemn undertakings and commitments given to this House that before the legislation came into play all the illegals would be off the airways. What is wrong? Why can the Minister not do his job?
I also recall that the Deputy was pressing me to leave the illegals on the airwaves until the new stations came in.
That is not correct.
Two successful raids were carried out, for example, against Radio Dublin, and the Chief State Solicitor is preparing a summons for prosecution. I have said that seven stations are still on the air but a number have come on and gone off the air, having been followed by officials from my Department. There is one in Monaghan and there are four in Donegal. They have gone off the air when chased by officials from my Department. One attempted to come on the air in the Dublin area but went off immediately. One in the Tralee area has also come on and gone off. They are coming and going but they are being chased and the full rigour of the law will be used. There is general pleasure and satisfaction with the level of service being provided by the legal radio stations throughout the country. They are providing a legal service, something which people were denied by ten years of prevarication in this House.
I must correct the Minister's suggestion that I or my party argued at any stage for an extension. We welcomed the Minister's commitment, although it was rather hollow at that time. Does he appreciate the frustration of those legally established stations who must watch the illegal stations continuing? He has indicated that seven such illegal stations still exist. I have no doubt that on occasion there are many more. Does he feel that the duplication of onerous responsibilities in his Department and the Department of Justice may in some way be impairing his ability to act in this area?
I will be delighted to give Deputy McCartan information about his position on keeping some of the pirates on air. He seems to have forgotten it. There have been no complaints from existing stations, to the best of my knowledge, regarding the operations of illegals. At this stage there is no legal station in the Donegal or Monaghan areas. I share the Deputy's concern that the illegals should be taken off the air as quickly as possible and I am very pleased that so many have already gone. It is a matter I treat with the utmost seriousness.