asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs his plans, if any, to deal with deflection TV broadcast systems operating currently in areas enfranchised for cable television.
Ceisteanna—Questions . Oral Answers . - Unlicenced TV Broadcast Systems .
6.
: Unlicensed systems are liable to seizure and their operators are liable to prosecution. I am urgently considering what measures should be taken in this matter.
: Does the Minister of State not agree that those companies enfranchised for cabling are at a very big disadvantage arising out of the deflection operations in those areas and that there is a danger that this abuse is about to spread south from western regions?
: There is that difficulty, especially in areas licensed for cabling which are the subject of the question. This is fully appreciated by the Government.
: Does the Minister of State's reply refer to areas not covered by cable television? If it does, how does this affect the commitment given by his party and by his colleague, Deputy Donnellan, prior to the election that legislation would be introduced by Fine Gael in Government to legalise deflection systems in rural areas? I would like to get a comment in relation to rural areas in which, I know, the Minister of State, Deputy Donnellan, is interested and where BBC and ITV have been received.
: The Deputy's colleague has a question on that later on.
: This is a very serious matter and there is a lot of public disquiet about it. In the Bill is the Minister of State prepared to take into consideration the difficulties being experienced in rural areas? Will the Bill accommodate those difficulties?
: The practice is growing up of having many Second Reading debates on Bills that have not been circulated. It is not in keeping with Question Time.
: There is public disquiet about this and the Minister of State should state to the House that he is prepared to give careful consideration to the areas outlined for him.
: As regards legislation connected with deflectors there is a question on that, Question No. 10, later on today.