asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he proposes to take any action with regard to electrical disturbances due to portable tools, fluorescent lighting and other electrical equipment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Electrical Interference Regulations.
35.
Under the Wireless Telegraphy (Control of Interference from Electrical Motors) Regulations, 1963, and the Wireless Telegraphy (Control of Interference from Ignition Apparatus) Regulations, 1963, portable tools and other electrical equipment to which the regulations apply must be fitted with suppressors or other similar devises.
Draft EEC directives, designed to harmonise the technical standards prescribed in member countries, in legislation dealing with interference caused by certain kinds of electrical equipment including flourescent lighting are at present under consideration. I intend to make regulations covering the types of equipment referred to based on whatever standards may be agreed.
Is the Minister aware that many people, particularly in Dublin city, are paying the television authority a fee each year for the purpose of getting multi-channel reception and that it only requires a fault in one of these implements to ensure that they do not get reception at all?
They are not paying for multi-channel.
It is coming to Ballyfermot.
They are not paying for it.
We will arrange that.
I am aware that interference is caused. I am just as anxious as the Deputy is that interference be diminished and I have answered the Deputy's question rather fully. This question is one on which there are draft directives, designed to co-ordinate practice inside the Community, in preparation and this country will have to fall in with standardised practice. That decision was basically taken for us when we decided to enter the EEC.
I should like to ask the Minister if he is aware that a big number of people suffer interference on their radio reception as a result of television? Television is interfering with radio reception in working-class areas like Ballyfermot. When the television goes on the radio is interfered with.
I do not think that television and radio distinguish between working-class and middleclass areas as regards the amount of interference generally.
Would the Minister be willing to receive submissions from people about interference from other appliances such as motor cycles?
I am always ready to receive submissions.
What is the reception like on the Hill of Howth?
The Deputy is well aware.