asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether, in view of the fact that a large number of Irish people are resident in and around the City of London, he will take steps to have the present poor reception of Radio Éireann programmes in the area improved.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Radio Reception.
Under the International Wavelength Plan for Europe the power permitted for transmitters is designed to provide a broadcasting service of good quality within the national territory of each country. While we are anxious that Irish people in London should get reception from Radio Éireann, we cannot provide specifically for good reception there. Apart from the commitments under the international plan referred to, which was drawn up to prevent chaotic conditions of interference between stations, it would not be practicable on technical grounds to guarantee good reception in London from a medium wave transmitter. I should mention that because of the large increase in the number of broadcasting stations in Europe in recent years, it is becoming increasingly difficult for us and for the other European countries to give satisfactory reception conditions within the national boundaries not to mention reception outside them.