The show will have a similar format to UTV's recently launched Cash Time radio quiz show in Britain, which is produced by Optimistic.

"We have definite plans to go into Ireland this year but we have no confirmed dates as yet, " said a spokeswoman.

However, the plan will face numerous regulatory hurdles, particularly as UTV intends to network the show across its Irish local stations.

To date, the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI) has allowed this form of networking in only a few cases, most notably news broadcasts, which are handled by Independent Network News.

The show's format will be similar to that of controversial British television quiz channels such as ITV Play.

The British version of Cash Time is broadcast on Saturday and Sunday nights and features competitions such as 'Guess The Artist' and 'Mystery Voices'. It does not feature any advertising and is funded by call revenue.

However, a spokesman for the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI) said it had yet to receive a proposal from UTV. He said any such proposal would have to comply with several criteria, particularly gambling and gaming legislation. UTV would also have to demonstrate how the show would promote diversity.

"The terms of each of its individual licences would also have to be reviewed as they would have separate conditions and the form of networking would also have to be examined, " he said.

UTV currently owns five radio stations in the Republic:

Q102 in Dublin, 96FM and 103FM in Cork, Live95FM in Limerick and LMFM in Louth.