Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

As the Ceann Comhairle stated, this State board is not under my aegis. I am sure the requisite announcement and communication of decisions taken will be done by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Eamon Ryan. I understand this is an interim authority pending the enactment of legislation providing for the broadcasting authority of Ireland, which represents a further reform of broadcasting. If my memory serves me correctly, this legislation will see the establishment of a broadcasting commission. In respect of the interim authority being announced this afternoon, the question of committees having an input or making further suggestions to the Minister is an innovation instigated by the latter.

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