asked the Minister for Communications the steps, if any, taken in relation to satellite broadcasting to ensure that where this country is concerned the national interest is not undermined; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Satellite Broadcasting.
23.
Satellite entertainment services receivable in this country are not primarily intended for reception here no more than the terrestrial broadcasting service of the BBC and the IBA are so intended. Successive Irish Governments have adopted an "open skies" policy in relation to the reception of foreign broadcasting services here, all of which it has to be stated are subject to regulatory control in relation to programme content in the country of origin. In practice it is not practicable to prevent the reception of satellite delivered services.
I believe that the national interest can best be served through the maintenance of high standards of public service broadcasting by the national broadcasting organisation, RTE. The enormous popularity of home-produced television programmes is evidence of RTE's achievements in this regard.