Vol. 440 No. 7
239 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if in view of the existence of up to a dozen illegal radio stations broadcasting in the Dublin area, the reason he has not invoked the powers under the Broadcasting and Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1988, to have these stations closed down and, in particular, the power to serve a prohibition order on both Telecom Éireann and the ESB to cut off supplies to premises housing illegal stations.
My Department is currently in the process of monitoring a number of illegal radio stations in the Dublin area with a view to establishing the frequencies and locations being used for illegal broadcasts. The Deputy will appreciate that the investigation of private radio stations takes up significant time and resources within my Department. Frequency monitoring must be carried out over a period of time and the identification of the premises involved must be precise so that sufficient evidence can be gathered for effective action to be taken.
