asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs when direct satellite communication facilities will be available to shipping in the Atlantic Ocean region from Elfordstown near Midleton, County Cork; and the estimated cost of the project.
Ceisteanna—Questions . Oral Answers . - Satellite Communication Facilities .
8.
: It is expected that the earth station at Elfordstown, Midleton, County Cork, will come into operation in the second half of 1984.
The capital cost of the project is estimated to be in the region of £7 million.
: Where was the contract for this place? Who is providing the equipment?
: In 1980 following open tender a contract for an Irish earth station was placed with the Japanese firm of NEC. The total cost of the project is estimated at £7 million.
9.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he has received any report from the inter-departmental committee established to examine and report on how this country can get maximum advantage from satellite broadcasting.
: I have not received any report yet from the committee. It is, incidentally, examining all aspects of satellite communications, as well as broadcasting.
: Is the Minister aware of the meeting which took place in a certain establishment in Kildare between commercial interests and the Director General of RTE to discuss the actual franchise for satellite television broadcasting?
: I am not so aware.
: Will the Minister make himself aware and contact the Director General of RTE to discuss this very important matter seeing that he is so involved with broadcasting in Ireland? I understand that is the Minister's brief. I should like to know about the meeting which took place in Kildare between commercial interests and the Director General of RTE.
: I shall have an opportunity of meeting with the Director General on Friday. Perhaps the Deputy will be good enough to give me the information he has available to him so that I will be very well briefed.
: I am sure with all his officials and advisers the Minister will be well briefed. This meeting took place. I am sure when the Minister meets the Director General he will not be exerting any undue influence on him and his staff in regard to allowing fair play for the Fianna Fáil Party.
(Interruptions.)
: Four EEC countries have decided to proceed with satellite broadcasting. Does the Minister consider that an urgent decision should be made by his Department about satellite broadcasting? When does he hope to have a decision on this matter? Is he aware that our progress in this area with the granting of a footprint at a Geneva Conference a few years ago is seriously undermined by the failure of his Department to make a decision and proceed along the lines of other EEC countries?
: Our position as granted at the 1977 Geneva Conference has not been undermined. We are in an excellent position. The committee are well aware of the necessity to furnish reports at the earliest possible time. If necessary they will furnish an interim report. The present indications are that a report will be furnished later in the year on this. I cannot give a more precise forecast of the actual reporting period of the committee. Everyone is aware of the potential that exists and the dangers of not proceeding in time if the situation is judged to be correct. We must await the report of the committee which is a very distinguished one.
: The Minister referred to the potential of this development and everyone will agree with that. It offered very attractive remunerative prospects. Would the Minister consider making a statement of policy in this area? Many of us are anxious that the benefits accruing from this new development will accrue to the Exchequer. Will he indicate that it is his wish that in so far as these benefits do accrue they will not be deflected into any private commercial channels?
: As the Leader of the Opposition has pointed out, I am very conscious of the great potential that exists provided it is handled correctly. The major consideration is that the benefits should accrue to the Exchequer. We must make sure that our timing is correct to make maximum use of the potential which exists. I will take the request for a statement on this into consideration. We will have to wait for the report of the committee as a first step.
: Will the Minister of State consider laying down policy guidelines in this area? Will he indicate whether primary responsibility for this development will lie with his Department or with RTE? These matters should be clearly defined as soon as possible.
: As of now the major responsibility lies with the Department of Posts and Telegraphs.