Paddy McHugh (Galway East, Independent)
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Question 131: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will liaise with ComReg to ensure that parish church radio transmitters are allowed to continue to transmit to their parishioners as heretofore; if he will further ensure that no parish church radio transmitters be shut down until an alternative wavelength is provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21399/06]

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.