asked the Minister for Communications when he proposes to bring a local Radio Authority Bill before the House; and the reasons for the delay.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Local Radio Authority Bill.
19.
It is the intention to introduce the Bill as soon as possible after the Joint Committee on Legislation has reported on the proposals for the legislation which were referred to it in August last.
Can the Minister give a date or a deadline for this Bill? Unfortunately some stations have been closed down and this may be Government policy. I know these stations are operating illegally but they would be anxious to get a licence. I believe RTE should await the Minister's decision and the coming of the Bill before the House.
A question, Deputy.
I would ask the Minister to set a deadline for the bringing of this Bill before the House.
I too am disappointed that there has been a delay. We submitted the draft Bill to the Legislation Committee last August. Admittedly, the committee were only being set up at that time and this was the first Bill referred to them. Inevitably there were some teething problems. I am anxious that the committee should complete their consideration of the Bill during this month and we would need a further two months or so to give full consideration to the submissions made to the committee as well as the views of the committee. I am very hopeful that legislation will be introduced before Easter and enacted before the summer. I am very concerned about the pirate stations. From time to time they cause interference with emergency services, including some airport services, and this is potentially lethal.