Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 October 2004
37 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his response to the recent report on radio licensing in Ireland; the progress made to date in regard to the public consultation process on the report; if he intends to implement the report’s recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25656/04]
View answerThe first stage of the radio licensing review process was a comprehensive study of radio licensing in Ireland carried out by industry experts OX Consultants. That report was published on 13 July 2004 and contained a significant amount of data along with analysis and conclusions.
The second stage of the review was a public consultation phase. The public consultation was informed by the OX report and by a consultation paper published by my Department. The purpose of the public consultation was to seek the views of stakeholders involved in radio broadcasting in Ireland including station owners, advertisers, content creators, information service providers, public service bodies, individuals and local communities. As part of the public consultation a public seminar was held in Athlone in September. A verbatim report of the seminar is available on my Department's website, www.dcmnr.ie.
The public consultation period ran from 7 July to 30 September 2004 and a substantial number of submissions was received. My Department is at present considering those submissions and is preparing a report that will include recommendations on the future licensing of radio in Ireland. I look forward to receiving that report and considering its findings.
