Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

We are not seeking a complete clampdown on radio stations so that any oversight leads to immediate revocation of a licence. In 2008, 11 stations were notified of 50 breaches to the ten minute rule. Common breaches included sponsorship announcements, competition announcements and other mechanisms, which were in effect advertising, not being included in the minutes, incorrect timing of recordings whereby a 40-second advertisement was logged as 30 seconds and the overrun of advertisements from one hour to the next. I understand that a very limited number of these breaches were due to the overrun of an interview. The broadcasting authority must have the flexibility to manage this issue, including mechanisms to address flagrant breaches, without requiring broadcasters to stop dead on the clock. The Bill provides for certain standards so that, for example, rush hour audiences are not forced to listen to lengthy advertising breaks.

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