Vol. 424 No. 6
18 Mr. Kemmy asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if she proposes to extend the terms of the Radio and Television Act, 1988, to enable Radio Telefís Éireann to provide a short-wave radio service for Irish exiles throughout the world.
The establishment of a short-wave radio service by RTE would not require legislative change. I have power to licence RTE to operate broadcasting stations under the Broadcasting Authority Acts 1960 to 1976. RTE have not sought a licence in respect of a short-wave service.
I understand that RTE have examined the possibility of establishing a short-wave service on a number of occasions but, in view of the prohibitive cost and quality deficiencies associated with short-wave transmissions, do not, at this point, regard short-wave as the best option for the future.
RTE news reports are available through the telecommunications networks in a number of European countries and in the USA. I understand that RTE are giving consideration to the most effective use of emerging technologies to make their programmes accessible to Irish people living abroad.
