Eamon Scanlon (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister of State and I thank Senator O'Meara for bringing this issue to the House where we will have an opportunity to discuss it.

I want to refer to North West Radio and the good work it has done over the last 12 years since being awarded the licence to run the local radio station. There is no doubt that problems have arisen as a result of what has happened, particularly over the past two or three years in regard to licences being changed from one station to another. In my opinion and in the opinion of independent observers, North West Radio appears to have done the best job possible. It has been recognised as a local station in the real sense. Listenership figures have been increasing for 12 years, including 70% steady listenership over the past three to four years. It has done a very good job. Some 42 people are currently employed by the radio station. However, it was unsuccessful in its application, which we must accept, and we accept the BCI's decision. North West Radio was notified three months ago that it was not successful. Since the new licensees will not take over until September 2004, it is very unfair to the 42 employees of North West Radio to have to continue until then. It is difficult for these people to be motivated and keep the station at the present level. There should be a shorter time span between the old licensee leaving and the new licensee taking over.

While there are ten members on the BCI board, only six people were present when the decision on North West Radio was taken. If there are ten people with different expertise on a board and four are missing, it means that four people with a certain amount of expertise are not present on the day a decision is taken. Given the decision of 3:3, plus the chairman's casting vote, it is no wonder those involved in North West Radio felt aggrieved. If a decision is to be made by a board, the least that can be done is that the full board is present when the decision is taken, otherwise no decision should be taken.

I welcome the appeals process, which is necessary. It will give people who feel aggrieved, as in the case of North West Radio, a chance to appeal and a second bite of the cherry.