Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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288. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to consider amending the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland local community radio station licence regulations, to reduce the number of stations required for community stations, from three to one; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17826/16]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) is responsible for the licensing of independent radio broadcasting services in Ireland, including the licensing of community broadcasters. An objective of the Authority, provided for under the Broadcasting Act 2009, is to stimulate the provision of high quality, diverse and innovative programming by community broadcasters.

Under Section 64 of the 2009 Act, the Authority, on the recommendation of the Contract Awards Committee, may enter into a class of sound broadcasting contract with 2 or more members of a local community or of a community of interest if it is satisfied that it meets certain requirements.

The BAI is empowered under Section 68 of the Act to award temporary contracts for up to 100 days to community radio broadcasters, with a view to developing the community radio sector in Ireland.

Part 6 of the Act sets out the licensing process for commercial, community, temporary and institutional radio services.  Further detail on this process is available from the Authority directly and prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the BAI to discuss any queries in relation to the application process.

I have no plans to amend these provisions of the Broadcasting Act.