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Radio Licences.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 February 2004

Thursday, 19 February 2004

Questions (162)

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

162 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the terms of reference of the proposed report of a company (details supplied) on radio licensing; and if it will include a public submission stage. [5454/04]

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Written answers

My Department is undertaking a review of the local radio licensing regime here. It has engaged external advisers to assist in its review. Independent advisers will submit their final report to me shortly.

The terms of reference for the external review on local radio licensing are as follows: To conduct a review of the processes through which radio licences are awarded here, having regard to comparative international experience; and to make recommendations on the licensing of services in the future. The review will address the following issues: objectives — describe current objectives of radio licensing; evaluate whether there is a need to revisit objectives having regard to changes in Irish society and in broadcasting markets; consider existing power of BCI, including power to decide type of services to be provided and franchise areas; process — describe and evaluate existing licensing processes; evaluate existing roles of the executive of the BCI and of the Commission; evaluate need for independent and outside expertise in licensing process; and explore options for an appeals mechanism in relation to licensing decisions; structural — consider what and who should be licensed; consider terms of existing and future licences including duration; and consider issue of licence roll over and barriers to market entry; policy interface — evaluate existing policy interface. After I have had an opportunity to consider the report I will publish it. The report will help inform the public consultation on radio licensing that I intend to conduct later this year.

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