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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 20 Mar 1991

Vol. 406 No. 7

Written Answers. - Community Radio Services.

Séamus Pattison

Ceist:

27 Mr. Pattison asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some local community radio groups are now some two years awaiting the right to broadcast; and the legislative steps he intends to take.

Gerry O'Sullivan

Ceist:

41 Mr. G. O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications the legislative steps he intends to take to prevent any further delays before the Independent Radio and Television Commission decide on local community groups applications for broadcasting licences.

Toddy O'Sullivan

Ceist:

42 Mr. T. O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if he is concerned with the Independent Radio and Television Commission's inordinate delay in implementing the community radio section of the Broadcasting Act, 1990, thus causing deep frustration and disillusionment among the many local communities awaiting their own stations; and the legislative steps he intends to take.

Gerry O'Sullivan

Ceist:

45 Mr. G. O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications the legislative steps he intends to take to end the delay suffered by community groups awaiting the right to broadcast.

Séamus Pattison

Ceist:

68 Mr. Pattison asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications his views on whether he is failing in his responsibility to local communities by accepting the inordinate delay of the Independent Radio and Television Commission in implementing the community radio section of the Broadcasting Act, 1990; and the legislative steps he intends to take.

I intend to take Questions Nos. 27, 41, 42, 45 and 68 together.

Section 4 of the Radio and Television Act, 1988, specifies that it shall be a function of the Independent Radio and Television Commission to arrange for the provision of sound broadcast services including a national sound broadcasting service additional to the broadcasting services provided by Radio Telefis Éireann. I am satisfied that those provisions are adequate to enable the Independent Radio and Television Commission to provide for community radio services. It is not my intention to amend the Act at this stage.

My function as regards issuing the licences to the commission will not arise until the commission are in a position to enter into contracts for the provision of community services. It is clearly and statutorily a function of the commission to bring the matter to that stage.

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