Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 March 2004
282 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the conditions required for Internet radio station approval; and his views on the feasibility of such a project by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [8405/04]
View answerIn so far as the broadcasting sector in Ireland is concerned, the Radio and Television Act 1988 and the Broadcasting Act 2001 confer on the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland the function of arranging for the provision of sound broadcasting services, including local radio services. Sections 5 and 6 of the 1988 Act set out the process through which local radio licences may be awarded and the factors which the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland must consider. The Broadcasting Commission of Ireland is an independent statutory body and I have no role in relation to licensing decisions.
With regard to radio stations established for transmission on the Internet, these do not fall within the remit of the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland and as such are not subject to regulation. I have no plans to introduce regulation to this area.
