Tógfaidh mé Ceisteanna 13, 14 agus 31 le chéile.
The current Order under section 31 of the Broadcasting Authority Act, 1960, was made on 6 January 1993, came into effect on 20 January 1993 and is due to expire on 19 January 1994. Section 31 of the Broadcasting Authority Act, 1960, does not empower the Minister to modify or suspend an existing order under the section while it remains in force.
It is no secret that I have little enthusiasm for restrictions on broadcasters in the coverage of news and current affairs. The issue of the renewal or otherwise of the section 31 order is complex in regard to the central issue of the restrictions themselves and to the timing and perceptions of any change in policy which might be contemplated. It is an issue to which I will be devoting careful consideration in conjuction with my Government colleagues at the appropriate time.
I will also be giving careful consideration to the appropriateness in current circumstances of the provisions of section 31 itself, which were enshrined in legislation 17 years ago, when formulating my proposals for broadcasting structures in the long term.