Vol. 509 No. 6
505 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if the Independent Radio and Television Commission is obliged under the Freedom of Information Act, 1997, to give the reason Christian broadcasting groups were not short-listed for broadcasting licences; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21846/99]
The Freedom of Information Act, 1997, does not apply to the Independent Radio and Television Commission at present. A Government decision has been taken to extend, within 12 to 18 months, the scope of the Act to a range of bodies across the public service, including the Independent Radio and Television Commission. It will then be a matter for the Independent Radio and Television Commission, to respond to any requests they receive under the Act.
