asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs what further consideration he has given to the question of improving the quality of RTE radio reception in Britain to enable Irish emigrants to keep in touch with home by this means; and whether the question of shortwave transmissions has been examined for this purpose.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - RTE Radio Reception in Britain.
13.
This matter has been carefully considered but it is not practicable to provide good reception of Irish sound programmes in Britain because reception is marred by interference caused by foreign stations broadcasting on wavelengths adjacent to ours. The Athlone station is operating at a power of 100 kilowatts as provided for it in the Copenhagen Plan. The use of the maximum power permissible under that plan for a medium wave station would effect little improvement in the quality of reception in Britain. I am advised that short wave transmissions, because of poor listening conditions, would not result in the improvement desired by the Deputy.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary say what has, in fact, been done to improve reception on the other side? Has he given up all hope of improving transmission to Britain?
No. The position is being continuously reviewed in an effort to improve reception, but it is felt that the idea of a short wave is not the solution to the problem.
Can we hope for an improvement?
We are continually hoping for an improvement.
We know that.
Is there any hope of success?
Every hope.
The Parliamentary Secretary must be very optimistic.