(Dublin Central) asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the cost of carrying out the survey concerning the second television channel.
7.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Second TV Channel.
6.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the cost of the recent survey carried out into the desired use to be made of the second television transmitter network.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 6 and 7 together.
It would be contrary to established practice to disclose the information requested by the Deputies.
Can the Minister say if the cost of the survey was borne jointly and in equal proportions between the Minister's Department and RTE?
Yes.
In that event, will the cost of the survey to RTE show up in their annual accounts?
I cannot say but I suppose it will.
What is the reason for the reluctance on the part of the Minister to disclose the cost to the Department?
As I have said, to do so would be contrary to established and general practice.
Which established and general practice?
Established and general practice in all Government Departments prevalent, as the Deputy ought to be aware, for many years past.
Could the Minister elaborate a little on that statement? He will appreciate that a reference to established and general practice is rather wide and that it would be helpful to the House in understanding the reasoning behind his reply if he were a little more specific in referring to the kind of item which he has in mind as established practice.
I am advised that it is contrary to established practice to disclose the cost of surveys carried out on behalf of Government Departments. The Deputy's experience in this matter is a good deal longer than mine and I am surprised that he is not aware of the practice.
Offhand I cannot recall any precedent for this but, perhaps, the Minister could help us. There may be something in his brief in this regard.
My brief does not disclose anything other than what I have said but if the Deputy wishes to put down another question I shall answer it.
I am surprised that the Minister's brief does not contain this information.
Question No. 8.
If it is established in general practice, as I am advised, it would be regarded as not necessary.
Would it not be easy for the Minister to indicate to us the previous survey in respect of which it was established practice not to disclose details of the type we are seeking?
I am prepared to furnish that information to the Deputy if he requires it, that is, when I receive it but I have not got it here.
One would expect such information to be contained in the brief.
8.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs (a) the total expenditure to date on the provision of a second television transmitter network (b) the total estimated cost of providing a second television transmitter network and (c) when work on the second television transmitter network is expected to be completed.
9.
(Dublin Central) asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the estimated cost of providing the proposed second television channel.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 8 and 9 together.
The total expenditure to date on the provision of a second television transmitter network is £675,000; the total estimated cost of providing the network is £4.1 million and it is expected that the work will be completed at the end of 1976.
Can the Minister say if those figures relate to capital expenditure only?
That is so.
Can the Minister give any indication of the estimated current expenditure in the first year of operation?
I do not think that arises on this question.
Would it be possible to have a breakdown of the amount spent to date?
If the Deputy puts down a question to that effect, I am sure we can get the information for him.
The Minister's reply appears to have assumed that what was sought was the capital cost but I would suggest that the wording of the question conceivably covers current as well as capital cost—the estimated cost of providing it?
All I can give here is RTE's estimate. I think this is what the Deputy wants. This is the estimate at 1975 prices of what will be the cost of the type of RTE service that is proposed: 1977, £2.456 million, 1978, £3.120 million and 1979, £3.914 million.
10.
(Dublin Central) asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he had any recent meeting with his counterpart in England regarding the proposal to rebroadcast BBC 1 in this country.
The answer is "No".