Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 May 2000

Vol. 519 No. 2

Written Answers. - Private Radio Stations.

Phil Hogan

Question:

73 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the proposals, if any, she has to reform the legislation in relation to enforcing the removal from the airwaves of illegal pirate radio stations in view of the legal difficulties that the ODTR has experienced in successfully closing down the activities of such stations. [13339/00]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

I am aware of difficulties that the Office of the Director of Telecommunications Regulation has been experiencing in relation to enforcing the law concerning pirate radio stations. I intend to address the legislative difficulties being experienced by the ODTR under proposals to reform the existing Wireless Telegraphy Acts, 1926-1988.

As part of these proposals, I will introduce explicit powers which will enable prompt and effective action by the regulator against unlicensed pirate radio operators.

The current legislation allows the ODTR to bring a summary prosecution, which can result in a maximum fine of £1,000 or three months in jail. A prosecution on indictment which carries more severe penalties and which can result in the forfeiture of the equipment is a matter for the Director of Public Prosecutions. These penalties will need to be revised and the use of statutory injunctions in respect of offences will also be examined.

However, notwithstanding these difficulties in the current legislation, in the last few months the director's office has closed three stations in Dublin and one in County Monaghan and a number of other investigations are ongoing. Advertisers on pirate stations are being monitored and ODTR staff on the road are monitoring interference issues. A large number of pirates in the Dublin area have also been identified and located.