asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is aware that outside the eastern areas television viewers are confined to RTE although they have to pay the same licence as those with a choice of stations; and if he will permit private concerns to provide piped television in the western areas similar to that provided in the east.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Piped Television.
46.
As regards the first part of the question, I am aware that in parts of the State external television programmes may be received directly off the air. As the Deputy knows, the licence fee is applied solely to the support of the national services, and no part of it is payable in respect of reception of external programmes.
As regards the second part of the question the answer is "no". Multichannel communal aerial television systems are permitted under certain conditions in the areas in which external programmes are receivable directly off the air. Licences for such systems may be issued to RTE, to local authorities, or to other bodies representative of local communities, for example, residents' associations.
Would the Minister regard the west midlands as an area in which outside stations can be received off the air?
If the signal is received off the air it would be an eastern area.
The quality of the signal would not matter?
I have no function with regard to the quality of the signal.
Is the Minister saying if a picture can be received off the air then the area is valid for piped television? If the picture is not a good picture does the area still qualify? In other words, if it is a fringe area, will it qualify?
I honestly cannot answer that. I shall look into it.
Will north-eastern and north-western areas be permitted to have piped television?
Again I cannot answer that but I will communicate with the Deputy.
47.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs how many areas in the greater Dublin area are now served by piped television.
Licences have been issued for communal aerial systems enabling external television programmes to be received by wire in 11 areas in Dublin city and county.