asked the Minister for Communications the reason for the delay in introducing legislation to establish independent local radio.
62.
Written Answers. - Local Radio Legislation.
61.
asked the Minister for Communications when he proposes to introduce legislation for independent local radio; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Proposals for legislation to provide a framework for the establishment of legal local radio services were referred to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Legislation in August 1983. The report of the committee was laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas on 9 May. Since then draft legislation which takes account, inter alia, of the views expressed in the committee's report has been in preparation. Examination of the various provisions to be made in the draft legislation so that it will provide the most suitable framework possible to enable local radio to develop to its maximum potential is still continuing but I would hope to be in a position shortly to introduce the necessary draft legislation.