I propose to take Questions Nos. 240, 241 and 243 together.
The primary issue here is one of safety. The Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) is the statutory body responsible for the management of the radio spectrum in Ireland and are required to investigate any interference with services, particularly where critical safety issues are concerned.
To facilitate the Deputy, I requested information from ComReg. They indicated to me that they "had been contacted by the Irish Aviation Authority regarding frequency interference with Air Traffic Control systems and as a result of it's inquiries ComReg has contacted three Church services". ComReg also stated that based on the times and patterns of the interference, the Irish Aviation Authority said in its communication to ComReg of 23 April that "Air Traffic Control observed that this problem appears to be common in the morning and also raised the possibility that a local church service may be the source of the problem".
ComReg fully understands the importance of such local community services and intends to permit wireless public address systems to meet the needs of religious and other community organisations. Regulations permitting the transmission of such services are due to be in place later this year.
These Regulations will require my consent as Minister for Communications, under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1926 and both ComReg, who have expertise in the technical area of radio spectrum safety and I fully intend to fulfil our duties in relation to potential safety issues.