Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 5 Jul 2001

Vol. 540 No. 3

Written Answers. - Broadcasting Legislation.

Michael Bell

Question:

18 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the position in her discussions with the Independent Radio and Television Commission regarding the financial and staffing resources which it estimates it will need when it assumes full responsibility for the new Broadcasting Commission of Ireland; when it is expected the commission will be operational; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20306/01]

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

29 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands when she will sign a commencement order bringing all sections of the Broadcasting Act, 2001, into effect; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20304/01]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera)

I propose to take Question Nos. 18 and 29 together.

I refer the Deputies to my responses to Questions Nos. 42 and 55 on 29 May 2001. Since then my Department, on the basis of its contacts with the Independent Radio and Television Commission, has sought specific detailed sanction from the Department of Finance for resources in terms of staff and funding for the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland. My Department is awaiting a formal response from the Department of Finance on the matter. As I mentioned in the replies to parliamentary questions on 29 May 2001, it is still my intention to make the order commencing the Act in its entirety shortly.