asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs (a) whether he has given further consideration to the possibility of establishing a television station in the Republic of Ireland, and (b) if it is proposed to take any steps to ensure that users of electrical appliances will fit them with suppressors to avoid interference with television reception.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Establishment of Television Station.
As I have indicated in previous replies, we have been watching developments in television closely in all its aspects. In doing so we have, of course, always in mind the possibility of introducing an Irish television service at some stage. We cannot, however, seriously consider the establishment of a television station here until we first see some prospect of giving, and continuing to give, a service which will be distinctively Irish and worth offering to our people without placing a substantial additional burden on the general taxpayer.
With regard to the second part of the Deputy's question, our first concern must be interference with Radio Eireann sound transmissions and this problem is more than enough to engage the full attention of the technical staff available. I am advised that electrical intereference with the relatively weak television signals received here would require a degree of suppression which would be difficult to secure or to justify in our circumstances.
The Minister has stated that no question of the erection of a television apparatus here will be considered until we are in a position to provide purely Irish programmes. Is he aware that at the present time there are a large number of television sets throughout the rural areas, that the people who have these sets have now to watch amusements and so forth that have a completely British slant and does he not think that the way to counteract that is to provide television programmes in Ireland with an Irish slant?
I am aware of what the Deputy suggests. I have been watching the matter closely. I do not think we have reached the stage yet where we can have national television.
They are all over the country.
These people are buying sets for their own purposes. The question of a national television service is another matter.