Seanad debates
Wednesday, 15 October 2003
Criminal Justice (Temporary Release of Prisoners) Bill 2001: Committee Stage. - Local Radio Licensing: Motion.
At present, appeal of a licensing decision is restricted to an appeal on grounds of process only. Like the committee, I see merit in a broader appeals mechanism, as I have said publicly. I accept that developing such a mechanism could prove a difficult task. Getting the balance right could prove difficult. If a body is charged with making licensing decisions, that body should decide who is awarded a licence. If too broad a power is provided to an appeals body, the appeals body could, in effect, become the licensing body. Notwithstanding the complexity of the matter, it will be a central issue to be addressed in the review being undertaken by my Department.
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