(Dublin Central), Mr. Molloy, Mr. Power, Mr. Kenneally and Mr. Lalor asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the present position regarding the provision of a second TV transmitter; when it is expected that the second TV channel will be in operation; and the amount spent to date, the amount in the 1976 estimates and the estimate of overall cost of providing and of running the channel when completed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Second TV Channel.
6.
Mr. T.J. Fitzpatrick
The equipment which was ordered over 12 months ago for the network of transmitters and micro wave links for the second television service is being delivered and installation work is proceeding. RTE advised my Department recently that they are planning on the basis of starting experimental transmissions in the spring of 1977, and inaugurating the service proper in the following autumn. A little over £1 million has been paid out to date but the full capital cost of the network amounting to an estimated £4.1 million has been virtually committed.
£1.930 million has been provided for in the 1976 capital estimates for the second network.
In their statement of June, 1975, on television development in Ireland and the question of national choice RTE estimated that the extra licence fees necessary to finance RTE 2 would be £4.50 in 1977, £5.70 in 1978 and £7.10 from 1979 onwards.
I understand that these estimated figures allowed for the annual costs arising from capital expenditure of £6.937 million at spring 1975 prices on extra production facilities for the second service. RTE have now submitted revised estimates of costs of extra production facilities together with suggestions about how they might be financed. These are being examined by my Department at present in consultation with RTE. It will not be possible to give an up-to-date estimate of the operating costs of the new service until decisions are taken following completion of this examination.
(Dublin Central): The Minister mentioned a figure of £4.50 in the first year of operation.
(Dublin Central): What did the Minister mean?
I mentioned an RTE estimate.
(Dublin Central): Would the Minister say it would be somewhere near that figure when it comes into operation in 1977?
I cannot make any statement on this that would be of any value to the House until the process of consultation with RTE, which is proceeding, is completed. As soon as decisions are taken following completion of this examination I hope to be in a position to provide the House with the kind of further information for which the Deputy is looking.
(Dublin Central): Is the Minister giving a firm commitment it will come into operation in 1977?
I believe it will, yes.
(Dublin Central): Will he give an undertaking? If it is ready will it be in operation in 1977?
Yes, I think I can give that.
In view of the fact the Minister was able to give us these up-to-date estimates and he is depending now on the outcome of a reinvestigation in his Department of new estimates submitted by RTE, could I ask him if he would make available to those Members who put down this question that information when he gets it?
I will certainly make available to the House the results of the decisions which will follow on the process of consultation to which I have referred.
What method will the Minister adopt to inform the House?
When a point has been reached where a further communication can be offered usefully to the House I will be in touch with the Opposition spokesman, Deputy T.J. Fitzpatrick, on this matter.