Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 123: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the timeframe for publication of the Broadcasting Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10572/08]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 280: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his preferred option for the development of the broadcasting industry; the discussions he has had with service providers in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10987/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 123 and 280 together.

The draft general scheme of the Broadcasting Bill, submitted to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources in September 2006 for the purposes of public consultation under the eConsultation initiative, is intended to ensure the establishment of the appropriate regulatory and organisational structures for the growth and development of public service, commercial and community broadcasting in Ireland. The Joint Oireachtas Committee published its conclusions on the draft general scheme in April 2007. It is proposed to publish the consequent Broadcasting Bill in April 2008 having considered the Joint Oireachtas Committee's conclusions on the outcome of the eConsultation process.

In the context of the development of broadcasting policy my officials and I have cause, on a regular basis, to meet with the various interests that comprise the broadcasting sector including but not limited to commercial broadcasters, public service broadcasters and independent producers.