Helen Keogh
Question:48 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the present position regarding the operation of illegal pirate radio stations. [3746/95]
Written Answers - Pirate Radio Stations.
The position regarding the operation of illegal pirate radio stations is that the full provisions of the Broadcasting and Wireless Telegraphy Acts will be invoked against such stations in any situation where the circumstances allow, and those involved in illegal broadcasting, including business and people advertising on, or providing services to, illegal stations, should have no doubt that action may be taken against them at any time.
Following a resurgence of the activity of such stations in the Dublin area last year, my Department intensified its efforts in enforcing the law here, and succeeded in putting two of the more persistent offenders off the air.
It is difficult to be exact about the numbers of such stations in operation because they are transient by nature, they tend to move about on the frequency bands and they often change their names. Nonetheless my Department will keep this matter under careful review and efforts will be intensified as the need is identified.