Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 252: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the unease and anxiety felt amongst the sick and elderly in relation to the proposed discontinuation of mass and other religious services broadcast from local churches as a result of complaints of interference from the aviation sector; the proposals he has to have these religious services made available to the sick and elderly; if there will be a cost involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22852/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware of the situation regarding the broadcasting of services from parish churches, to which the Deputy refers. The Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) is the statutory body responsible for the management of the radio spectrum in Ireland and is required to investigate any interference with services, particularly where critical safety issues are concerned. 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.

To this end, 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 will 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.