asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if it is correct that the frequency allocation to the Mount Leinster transmitter is the same as that in use by UTV; and, if so, why such frequency was allocated to the Mount Leinster transmitter instead of to the Cork transmitter where no clash would arise.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Frequency Allocation to Mount Leinster Television Transmitter.
86.
The frequency channel in use by UTV covers part of the channel allocated to the Mount Leinster transmitter. It would not be practicable to use the channel for the Cork transmitter as this would create other and more serious interference problems. In this connection I would refer the Deputy to my replies to Questions Nos. 83 and 84 by Deputies Richie Ryan and Moher.
Would the Minister like to tell the Dáil what are the problems that would be created if the Mount Leinster channel were used for the Cork transmitter?
These are all very technical problems and surely the Deputy hardly expects me to answer that type of question.
Is there interference with other stations and, if so, what stations?
Would the Minister say what interference there will be in Cork?
I could not give the information unless I read out all the supplementary information I have here. The Deputy is asking highly technical questions. One would have to be well versed in television engineering to answer them.
Would it not be a good idea for the Minister to read them out, all the same, so that those people who do understand such matters —I do not class myself amongst them —would have the information?
Yes, and get it into the Official Report.
Would the Minister not read out the additional information?
I shall not.
Would the Minister circulate it?
Would it not have saved a lot of trouble if the Minister had said that at the beginning? Will he send me the information so that I can consult somebody who understands these things?
I shall consider that.
I hope the Minister will consider putting it into the Official Report.
Might I inquire whether the appropriate description of the Minister in future is "Caution"?
Mr. Ryan
Is it not true that the Cork channel is not used by any other station in Ireland or Britain and that the nearest country using it is France?
If the Deputy will give me notice of that question, I shall answer it next week.
Mr. Ryan
It is true.