Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 55: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his proposals in regard to future legislation for local and community radios with particular reference to the need to retain local interest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33567/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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The licensing of local and Community radio is currently a matter for the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI). The BCI carries out its functions under the Radio and Television Act 1988. In this regard, the BCI is charged with the orderly development of sound broadcasting services and with ensuring the appropriate development of the sector.

The legislative proposals contained in the draft general scheme of the Broadcasting Bill propose the establishment of a Broadcasting Authority of Ireland to assume the functions of the BCI, the Broadcasting Complaints Commission and the existing regulatory functions of the RTÉ Authority.

The proposals charge the proposed Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with amongst other matters, the stimulation of the provision of high quality, diverse and innovative programming by commercial, community and public service broadcasters, and the provision of a regulatory environment that will facilitate the development of a broadcasting sector that is responsive to audience needs.

These proposals have been submitted to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources for the purposes of public consultation under the eConsultation initiative.

I propose to introduce the Broadcasting Bill into the Houses of the Oireachtas in 2007 in the light of the outcome of the consultation process.