Vol. 412 No. 1
28 Mr. McCartan asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if he will outline the latest position regarding proposals for the establishment of a third television channel; if he has had any recent meetings with either the principals involved or the Independent Radio and Television Commission to discuss the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Under the Radio and Television Act, 1988 the establishment of a national independent television service, selection of contractor, commencement of transmission, etc. is entirely a matter for the Independent Radio and Television Commission. The Deputy will be aware that the IRTC made a conditional offer of the franchise for the independent television service to the consortium known as TV3 in April, 1989 and that the IRTC have recently decided to withdraw their offer.
Leave to seek a judicial review of that decision has now been granted and therefore I will make no further comment on the matter.
