asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he has any long-term plans whereby programmes from all EEC countries will be available to TV licence holders in Ireland; and if there is any lack of communication on this subject between Common Market countries.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - EEC TV Reception.
37.
In present technological conditions the range of effective coverage of a television station is limited. It varies considerably in relation to the surrounding terrain but does not normally exceed about 60 miles. The cost of relaying signals from the Continent to this country and the technical problems involved effectively rule out at present and in the foreseeable future any question of making the television programmes from all EEC countries available here; there is, therefore, no need at present for communicating on this subject with EEC countries, other than the one which is our nearest neighbour.
Is there a problem about the 405 line and the 625 line in relation to television reception? Before the 625 line was introduced I could receive French television off the rabbit's ears.
I do not know what the Deputy could receive off his rabbit's ears but I am fairly clear that there is no possibility of receiving this reception.
Is it not true that the UK system and the French and Continental systems are quite different?
There are differences but it is mainly a problem of range.