asked the Minister for Communications if he is aware that television viewers in Monaghan town are still unable to receive RTE 2; and the steps being taken to improve this situation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Monaghan Town TV Reception.
14.
I am aware that RTE 2 television reception in the area in question is less than satisfactory. RTE hope to improve reception as soon as possible subject to a suitable channel being made available for the purpose.
Would the Minister not agree that television reception in the area has been totally unsatisfactory over a long number of years? Furthermore, is he aware that, in a recent communication I had from RTE, while they said they wished to provide service at the earliest opportunity, it would appear they had no channel available but that they had requested the Minister's Department to reach appropriate international agreements so that RTE could use Channel F as the RTE channel in Monaghan? Would the Minister agree that if his Department were to give interim permission we would have that service by next year?
As I understand the position, the necessary channel must be agreed under the Stockholm Agreement of 1961. Several discussions have taken place with the UK authorities. So far agreement on a co-ordinated channel has not been possible. This is being pursued with the UK authorities and, hopefully, agreement will be reached and the question of reception in Monaghan will be put right before too long.
Would the Minister agree that, since the RTE station was opened, we have consistently and continuously been pressing to receive the service to which we are entitled in this area and which is available in most other areas? Yet, despite questions, letters to authorities and other representations, the buck is passed back to the Minister. Would the Minister agree that if he were to give interim permission RTE could proceed with it?
No, I cannot give interim permission. Agreement has to be reached on this matter under international conventions. I agree with the Deputy that this position is very unsatisfactory and has obtained for far too long. I can give him an undertaking that this matter will be pursued with even greater vigour than has been the case to date. Perhaps he will keep in touch with me regularly until the matter is resolved.
Barry McGuigan's fight should be put on RTE 1 in the meantime.