The Minister recently announced that he was to initiate a review of the local radio licensing regime. He confirmed that the findings in the recent report on licensing by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources would inform his considerations. He explained that with the forthcoming establishment of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland and the conclusion of the current round of licensing, it was an opportune time to conduct a review which will be open to all interested parties and involve wide public consultation. The Minister has signalled that he is specifically ruling out the possibility of any increased ministerial or political involvement in the licensing process.