asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs when the result of the Stockholm conference regarding wireless broadcasting and television will be available.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wireless Broadcasting and Television: Stockholm Conference.
31.
The Stockholm VHF/UHF Broadcasting Conference concluded on Friday last. The main result for Ireland is that we have secured a substantial increase in frequency allocations in Bands I and III. Frequency channel assignments have been obtained within these bands for national services on both the 405 line and the 625 line standards so that provision has been made in regard to frequencies for any decisions that are likely to be taken. Frequency assignments have also been obtained for additional television services, should we require them, in Bands IV and V. In addition frequency assignments already held for VHF sound broadcasting services have been confirmed.
Would the Minister say if anything happened at the conference to improve radio reception in Wexford and West Cork?
That is a matter for ourselves; the decision to improve radio reception is a matter for ourselves.
Could the Minister say whether any decisions were taken at Stockholm to restrict eastern European stations which are broadcasting on the same wavelength as Athlone, with grave detriment to reception from time to time in this country?
I would require notice of that question. I am not asked that in the question to which I have replied.
But the Minister is aware of that difficulty?
He said it was a matter for ourselves.
The Minister is aware of the difficulty that there are eastern European stations which heretofore have not subscribed to the Stockholm arrangements?
Yes, there are. There are stations that are not in the Union.
I see, and the Stockholm Conference has not resulted in these stations acceding to the union?
That is a separate question.
All right; I will ask the Minister that question again.