The Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands Ms de Valera has denied reports that she is opposed to UTV buying Cork radio station 96FM. She said they were "completely incorrect and without foundation".
A statement from her Department yesterday said she had stated repeatedly that UTV's bid to purchase 96FM was solely a matter for the Independent Radio and Television Commission and that she and the Government had no function whatsoever in the matter. The Minister said she had never on any occasion given her opinion on the merits or otherwise of the bid.
"I reiterate that this position remains the same," she said.