Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 424: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding community radio stations, whose licences expire before the Broadcasting Bill is introduced; if there is an option to extend their current licence until the Bill is passed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5835/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The Broadcasting Commission of Ireland has statutory responsibility under Part III of the Radio and Television Act 1988, as amended, for the award or renewal of sound broadcasting contracts to community radio stations. As such I have no role in relation to contract award decisions.

The Broadcasting Bill 2008, which is currently before the Houses of the Oireachtas, assigns responsibility for the award of community sound broadcasting contracts to the proposed Broadcasting Authority of Ireland. Section 178(8) of the Bill provides for the continuance of any sound broadcasting contracts entered into by the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland on the establishment of the BAI.