Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 186: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has had discussions with his Northern Ireland counterpart on the development of communications infrastructure, particularly for radio and television broadcasting, on an all island level; if he will report on the access to Northern Ireland radio stations here and vice versa; his plans in this regard to develop such radio services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39788/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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RTE is a statutory corporation, governed by the Broadcasting Authority Acts 1960 to 2001. It is independent in day-to-day matters, including the provision of its broadcasting services.

Under the Radio and Television Act, 1988, and the Broadcasting Act, 2001, the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI) has statutory responsibility for the licensing of independent radio and television services. In this regard, the BCI is charged with the orderly development of sound broadcasting services and with ensuring the appropriate development of the sector. Under its statutory obligations, the BCI determines issues such as the type and number of licences in any region.

The BCI, the Commission for Communications Regulation (Comreg) and the Office of Communications in the UK (Ofcom) hold ongoing discussions with regard to spectrum planning for broadcasting on this island.

Under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement, TG4 is now widely available in Northern Ireland.