Vol. 445 No. 6
372 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the reason he will not take action to put illegal pirate radio stations and in particular a station (details supplied) off the air; and the plans, if any, he has to bring in stronger legislation if sufficient action cannot be taken at present. [418/94]
I would like to assure the Deputy that my Department is indeed taking action to put illegal radio stations off the air. In particular the last few months have seen a number of search and seize operations which have had a detrimental effect on these stations, resulting in reduced coverage, interruption of transmission and in one case, the cessation of transmissions by the station concerned. Evidence gathered as a result of these operations is now being used, together with other evidence resulting from investigations, to prepare cases for the prosecution of those involved in illegal broadcasting and in particular that station referred to by the Deputy.
I am satisfied that the Broadcasting and Wireless Telegraphy Acts afford wide scope for action and I can assure the Deputy that all the relevant provisions will be invoked in any situation where the circumstances allow. I will continue, however, to keep the legislation under review with a view to ensuring its efficacy.
