asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if it is intended to extend the television service to County Donegal as from 1st January, 1962; and if reception will be guaranteed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Television Service in Donegal.
55.
Under the Broadcasting Authority Act, 1960, it is the function of the Authority to provide a national television service and it will be for the Authority to determine when the transmitters which will serve different areas will be brought into operation. Accordingly, enquiries of this kind should be made directly to Radio Éireann.
I understand, however, that the north-western part of the country will be served by a transmitter at Truskmore, County Sligo, and that it is unlikely that County Donegal will get satisfactory reception from the Kippure transmitter which is the only one that will be in operation on 1st January, 1962.
Will it be necessary for the people in County Donegal who have television sets to pay the £4 licence fee for a service they will not be able to get? At the same time, the service which people are getting in other parts of the country, is interfering with the reception which they are now receiving?
The licence fee for television sets comes into operation on 1st January, 1962, and is applicable to the whole country.
Do I understand that the £4 licence fee is for a service——
That arises on the next question, question No. 56.