Vol. 443 No. 2
5 Miss Quill asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht his views on whether the Radio and Television Act, 1988 is wide enough to deal adequately with community broadcasting needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Under the provisions of section 4 of the Radio and Television Act, 1988, it is the function of the Independent Radio and Television Commission to arrange for the provision of, inter alia, sound broadcasting services additional to any broadcasting services provided by Radio Telefís Éireann. It is, therefore, a function of the Independent Radio and Television Commission to arrange for the provision of community broadcasting services and it has already taken some steps in this regard.
The Green Paper on the whole structure of broadcasting, which I hope to publish shortly, will facilitate wide discussion on the needs of broadcasting, including the needs of community broadcasting, which I see as having a crucial role in the future. If there are inadequacies in the current legislation, and I refer particularly to the 1988 Act, with regard to community broadcasting, these can be addressed in the context of the Green Paper, and the legislative response to the discussion on it.
Will the Minister acknowledge that local community broadcasting has been the great success story of the last decade? There is enormous scope, however, for further growth and development in that sector. To enable that growth to proceed apace, will the Minister consider strengthening the representation of local community radio on the Independent Radio and Television Commission in advance of the Green Paper or setting up a separate broadcasting authority for local and community radio?
I was unhappy at the treatment that community radio, both as a concept and a reality, received under the life of the previous Independent Radio and Television Commission. I have said that quite openly. I recently appointed a chairman and members to the Independent Radio and Television Commission who have been approaching their task in a whole range of areas with great vigour and enthusiasm. As the Deputy is aware, they have advertised for applications to determine the demand for community broadcasting. In Dublin there are two licensed radio stations, Anna Livia and Radio na Life. There is a clear need in that area.
To answer the Deputy's supplementary question directly, when one is composing the Independent Radio and Television Commission membership, and if one has regard for the spirit of the Act, one does not represent constituencies of interest. The members must transcend any particular interest and address the general needs of broadcasting in the legislation. The whole question of a separate Authority for community and local broadcasting must be debated and referred to in the discussions on the Green Paper as to what the appropriate structures are for, say, community, local and commercial radio. There is a difference between them and it is more than a nuance.
When will the Green Paper be published? What is the time-frame for the discussion and when will the legislative changes which might be made come into effect?
It is my wish that the Deputy will be able to reflect on the provisions in the Green Paper during the very warm summer days.
But not during the World Cup.
I intend to ensure that there is no undue delay.
During this session?
If I can. Although my Department has many functions it has a small number of staff in certain areas. I want to ensure the Green Paper addresses a wide range of issues and initiates debate on the legislation needed to take us into the next century. Significant legislation may be required and I hope the Green Paper will be available in the summer. I envisage the legislative response being within the following 12 months.
