Ms. Sally Galiana:

Community radio receives funds from a diversity of sources. The Pobal community service programme and community employment are two of the main sources for staff funding. The Departments with responsibility for education, the environment and health provide grants from time to time. Some stations draw down EU grants while others can access local advertising. The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland's Sound and Vision scheme provides funds for programme-making but not for operating costs. Thus, the scheme funds the product but not the process. Stations have to find ways to exist before they can make such programmes. This diverse and uncertain approach to funding restricts the potential of community radio.