asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is considering the introduction of legislation to legalise the re-direction or re-transmission of multi-channel (BBC) television signals in rural areas in the west of Ireland where it is uneconomic to install cable to transmit these signals; and if he will make a statement on this matter including the legal and other complexities involved.
Written Answers. - British Television Signals.
263.
I have no plans for such legislation. The main problems involved in rebroadcasting are of a practical rather than a legal nature.
Firstly, the rebroadcasting of British television signals would require under copyright law the agreement of the broadcasting authorities concerned. Secondly, the broadcasting frequencies available to this country under international agreements are not sufficient to allow the widespread rebroadcasting of British television signals. Any such systems serving extensive areas would lead to unacceptable interference with other services, including licensed cable systems, and would inhibit the improvement of reception of existing RTE services and the development of new services.
Unlicensed systems are liable to seizure and their operators are liable to prosecution