asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is aware of the difficulty that residents of the South-East area have in hearing the 6.30 p.m. sound news broadcast due to the intervention of a German language broadcast on the wavelength; and if he can do anything to improve the situation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Radio Interference.
39.
I am aware that listeners in many parts of the country have difficulty in receiving the Radio Éireann programmes, particularly after dark, because of interference caused by foreign stations. On 18th February last when introducing the Broadcasting Authority (Amendment) Bill, 1963, I referred to this problem and announced that a national VHF service is being established to improve reception in those areas.
Submissions have been made from time to time to other administrations whose stations have been causing interference to the Athlone transmissions and a reply is awaited to representations which were recently made to the German administration.
Has the Minister any knowledge as to where this interference is coming from? I am under the impression that it comes from behind the Iron Curtain. If it does is there any protocol with these countries by which to arrange an agreement?
We have not that information. In relation to the matter raised in this question, we are dealing with the German administration.
It is in German the broadcast is.