Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 77: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will make a statement on the decision of the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland to issue a revised licensing policy statement in coming months which it is reported may lead to the issue of a significant number of new radio licences, including a new national licence; if he intends to issue a directive to the BCI to examine competition in the radio sector; if he has satisfied himself that the Exchequer is receiving value from the national resource of the radio spectrum and additional spectrum which may become available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8198/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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The licensing of independent radio stations in Ireland is a matter for the independent Broadcasting Commission of Ireland, BCI, and one in which I have no direct role. The revenue return to the Exchequer for use of national assets, including radio spectrum, is a matter primarily for the Minister for Finance and I have no function in this regard. I can give policy directions regarding spectrum fees to the Commission for Communications Regulation only with the consent of the Minister for Finance.

Under its statutory obligations, the BCI determines, inter alia, the type and number of licences to be issued in any region. While I have no powers to issue a directive to the BCI on competition in the radio sector, I wish to maintain a suitable legislative framework for local radio licensing in Ireland. My Department carried out a review of radio licensing in Ireland last year. The review consisted of an extensive independent report by Ox Consultants and a public consultation process. My Department will produce a final report on the consultation later this year and I will consider proposals for suitable legislative reform with regard to radio licensing.

While I will consider new legislative proposals to improve the overall licensing framework, I am clear that decisions on the nature of the services to be licensed and licence awardees should remain the remit of an independent body.