asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if any estimate has been made of the cost of providing a full colour TV service by RTE; and, if so, when such a service will be provided.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers (Resumed). - RTE Colour TV Service.
52.
RTE say that the cost of replacing time-expired equipment by colour capable equipment recently installed or due to be installed soon is £625,000 and to replace the remainder similarly would cost another £1,275,000. All of this expenditure is not attributable to providing a colour service. RTE have advised that most of the equipment concerned is due for replacement in any event over the next few years.
It is estimated that the extra operating costs of a full colour service would be about £130,000 a year.
I cannot say at this stage when a full colour service will be provided by RTE. However, I hope to make an announcement shortly on colour transmissions by RTE.
In August?
Yes.
I should like to know if the Minister hopes to make this announcement in the House?
If the House would like to sit in August.
The Minister can bring forward his announcement.
I should like to have done so and, as the Deputy appreciates, I would very much like to have been in a position to make a statement on this before the House rose, but, with the best will in the world, it was not possible. The process of examination and consultation is still going on.
I accept what the Minister has said but I would like an assurance from the Minister that he will not make this announcement in Ballybunion.
We cannot have statements at Question Time.
I will bear the Deputy's remarks in mind although I cannot promise anything.
53.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the average weekly colour programme output by RTE (a) excluding sports and (b) including sports.
RTE's output of colour programmes, excluding sports, averaged about 12 hours a week in the three months ended June, 1973, and almost 16½ hours including sports programmes.
Can the Minister say whether he envisages a growth in the colour output by RTE in the near future.
I do.
Would the Minister like to enlarge on that?
I should like to but I cannot at the moment. The Deputy, I am sure, appreciates that.