I recently appointed expert external advisers to provide me with independent analysis on a range of relevance to this review. The task of the advisers will be to review the processes through which radio licences are awarded in Ireland having regard to comparative international experience and to make recommendations on the licensing of services in the future. The first task they have been asked to consider relates to the objectives of radio licensing in Ireland. They have been asked to describe the current objectives of radio licensing; evaluate whether there is a need to revisit objectives having regard to changes in Irish society and in broadcasting markets; and to consider the existing power of the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland, including its powers to decide the type of services to be provided and franchise areas.