Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 868: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the circumstances, having regard to the need to preserve security and integrity of air traffic radio transmissions and the rights of local communities to local radio as provided for under the broadcasting legislation whereby the local broadcasting of services from parish churches throughout the country interfered with aircraft or air traffic control radio transmissions in view of the fact that domestic radio appliances have an ability to receive transmissions in the range from 88 and 108 mhz and that air traffic transmissions are not receivable on such appliances; if the Irish Aviation Authority has given details as to the way in which the interference took place which led to closing down by order of ComReg of broadcasting from churches on safety grounds; the broadcasting, aviation, transport or telecommunications authorities or bodies, agencies or groups that have enquired into or contemplated the use of the radio frequencies in question and for what purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29090/06]

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 and as such, is required to investigate any interference with services, particularly where critical safety issues are concerned. Spectrum management is designed to ensure that all licensed services can operate without interference. The law in relation to broadcasting is set down in the 1988 Television and Radio Act. Broadcasting in the FM, or other broadcasting bands, is subject to regulation by the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI) — the broadcasting content regulator. In order to broadcast in the FM wavelength a licence is required and any churches transmitting or broadcasting services without a licence from the BCI would be in breach of the law. The function of ComReg in relation to broadcasting is to manage the radio spectrum and in doing so to try to accommodate the BCI by making frequencies available to it in relation to the contracts it awards to new licensed broadcasters. ComReg has no legal power to allow any person to broadcast in the absence of a sound contract with the BCI.

ComReg launched a licensing scheme in June of this year that allows community and religious organisations to transmit services and events, such as religious services, for the benefit of people in local communities throughout the country. The spectrum allocated for the scheme is in a frequency band that will not cause interference to other services using spectrum, including emergency and aviation services. The regulations governing the issue of these licences required my consent as Minister for Communications, under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1926. I understand from ComReg that they met with representatives of the Catholic Church earlier this year to explain the licensing scheme to them and that the Church representatives expressed satisfaction with the new arrangements. I have asked ComReg to get in touch directly with the Deputy in relation to the technical issues raised in the Deputy's question.