asked the Minister for Communications if he has any plans to amend existing legislation or to introduce regulations under existing legislation to require the commercial radio stations and the planned commercial television station to broadcast party political broadcasts; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Commercial Radio Stations.
1.
Section 9 (2) of the Radio and Television Act, 1988, enables party political broadcasts to be carried on the new independent services in accordance with a code of practice to be drawn up, and revised from time to time, by the Independent Radio and Television Commission.
The Minister will be aware that this matter was debated by our party and the Minister in March last year in this House and the same reply was given. Unfortunately, because there has been no progress the same questions must be asked. Can the Minister indicate whether the code of practice he speaks of can be enforced by the authority so as to ensure that the same conditions will apply to the national service as to the independent services?
The provisions of the Radio and Television Act on party political broadcasts are identical to the statutory provisions governing the carrying of such broadcasts by RTÉ. The commission are required to draw up and if necessary revise a code governing standards and practice in relation to party political broadcasts. I have been in touch with the commission about this and they expect that the code of practice for party political broadcasts will be drawn up early in the new year.
That does not answer my question. The question is whether a code of practice can be enforced and if there can be sanction. We are seeking uniformity between the various stations throughout the country. If there is a byelection in Donegal it may be covered by local radio but if there is one in Cork it may not be. Can the Minister assure the House that there will be uniformity? Under the legislation a certain amount of time must be given to current affairs debate and discussion. Why does the Minister not invoke a similar provision to ensure that party political broadcasts, which are so important to enhancing the reputation of this House——
This question is becoming over long.
The terms and conditions governing party political broadcasts are identical for the independent stations and RTE.
Except that in one case they are statutory and enforceable, whereas in the other it is a code of practice and non-enforceable.
They are exactly the same. Section 9 (2) of the Act provides that contractors can transmit party political broadcasts provided that they shall not give unfair preference to any political party in allocating time for such broadcasts. Under section 9 (3) the Independent Radio and Television Commission are required to draw up and if necessary revise this code of practice. It will be drawn up early in the new year. It is exactly identical to the statutory provisions governing the carrying of such broadcasts by RTE.
I thank the Minister for that preview of the code of practice. Will it carry enforcement or sanction?
I have not the full section in front of me. The provisions are identical to the statutory provisions governing the carrying of such broadcasts by RTE.
One would have thought——
Next question, please. The Deputy has had a fair innings and he ought to be satisfied. He wants to make a meal of things.
The Minister could not find out in nine months the answer to the question asked.
If a Deputy is dissatisfied with a Minister's reply he has an alternative, a way out.