Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 26 Feb 2003

Vol. 562 No. 2

Written Answers - Radio Broadcasting.

Seán Crowe

Question:

185 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the value of community radio stations to the communities they are based in; his views on whether they provide an excellent service to local people and much needed access to a broadcast medium for small groups; and if he will examine the possibility of setting up a fund administered by his Department, ring-fenced to provide some financial assistance to these stations. [5871/03]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. D. Ahern)

I can assure the Deputy that I am aware of the important role of community radio services in the Irish broadcasting landscape. As part of the decision to increase the television licence fee the Government decided that a special fund for public service broadcasting is to be established to fund new, innovative and additional programming. The fund will be open to all broadcasters licensed by the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland along with RTE, who provide free-to-air services. I do not intend to establish a special fund for community radio services alone.