Willie Penrose (Westmeath, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 94: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if in view of recent problems with local community and religious broadcasting he will request ComReg and the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland to re-examine their policy on local and community radio licensing and spectrum management; if he has satisfied himself regarding the present level of community radio licensing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20628/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) is the statutory body responsible for the management of the radio spectrum in Ireland. A safety issue arose recently when ComReg were notified by the Irish Aviation Authority, of interference with Air Traffic Control systems. ComReg are required by statute to investigate any interference with services, particularly where critical safety issues are concerned. As a result of their inquiries the unlicensed relay of local church services was identified as the likely source of the problem.

ComReg fully understands the importance of such local community services and intends to permit wireless public address systems to meet the needs of religious and other community organisations. ComReg has drafted regulations permitting the transmission of such services. These Regulations will require my consent as Minister for Communications, under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1926 and should be in place shortly.

Both ComReg, who have expertise in the technical area of radio spectrum safety, and I take our duties in relation to potential safety issues very seriously and I have no plans to ask ComReg to re-examine their policy in this regard.