Vol. 474 No. 6
271 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if his attention has been drawn to the number of illegal radio stations operating in the Dublin city area; and the action, if any, he is proposing on the matter. [3833/97]
I am aware of an upsurge in pirate radio activity in recent years, particularly in the Dublin area. Because pirate stations go on and off the air on a regular basis it is difficult to be precise as to the number involved. However, in a recent monitoring exercise my Department established that there may be up to 17 such stations operating on the airwaves in Dublin from time to time.
Given these numbers it appears to have become relatively easy for determined people to acquire the necessary equipment for illegal broadcasting. On the other hand, it is sometimes difficult to identify the operators and the location of the transmissions due, for instance, to the transient nature of the activity and the tendency of these stations to move about on the frequency bands. This has led to difficulties in the effective enforcement of the law in this area.
This function is among those to be transferred shortly to the new telecommunications regulator. My Department is in the course of a review of the enforcement procedures with a view to strengthening the regulator's enforcement powers. In the meantime, I want to make it clear that the full provisions of the Broadcasting and Wireless Telegraphy Acts will be invoked against such stations where the circumstances allow, and those involved in illegal broadcasting, including businesses and people advertising on, or providing services to, illegal stations, should have no doubt that action may be taken against them at any time.
