asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is aware that the present practice of restricting communal aerials to 500 connections is preventing the expansion of the piped television service; and what action he proposes to take in this matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Piped Television.
54.
As the Deputy probably knows, the Broadcasting Review Committee in its recent interim report on cable television and programme choice has advised, inter alia, that, pending the committee's further advice on the development of cable television, the restriction to 500 homes per masthead should be maintained. In accordance with this interim advice I do not propose to make any change at present. When the committee's further advice has been received and studied I shall make an announcement on policy in this matter.
55.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will inquire into the installation of wired television in the Dublin city and county area with a view to pinpointing the causes of the present position affecting installation.
My Department is not responsible for the installation of cable television systems. Its functions are limited to approving apparatus and licensing systems. However, I have asked the Broadcasting Review Committee to submit an interim report on the development of cable television, as a matter of urgency.
May I ask the Minister when the interim report will be available?
I have asked the Broadcasting Review Committee to furnish this as a matter of considerable urgency. I would hope to have it—I do not want to put a fixed time on it—in a matter of weeks.