Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 85: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the advice which he has for those local church authorities who wish to continue to make services available in their local parishes to the elderly and sick through radio; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21150/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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The Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) is the statutory body responsible for the management of the radio spectrum in Ireland.

ComReg has drafted regulations permitting the safe use of public address systems to transmit local church services and other public events. These regulations require my consent as Minister for Communications, under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1926 and should be in place shortly.

ComReg recently met with representatives of the Catholic Church to explain the proposed new scheme to them. I understand from ComReg that the Church representatives expressed satisfaction with the new arrangements.

ComReg also advised the Church representatives that while they have not required churches to discontinue relaying services they would expect all parishes to comply with the new licensing arrangements once the regulations have been signed and come into force.

I would recommend any local church authorities who wish to make services available in local parishes through radio to contact ComReg directly. www.comreg.ie.