asked the Minister for Communications the companies who submitted tenders for direct satellite broadcasting; when the licence will be granted; and the overall cost to the State.
22.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Direct Satellite Broadcasting.
15.
asked the Minister for Communications the estimated cost of the provision of direct satellite broadcasting; the expected commencement date; if he has included the cost in his departmental Estimates; the closing date for tenders; if the date was extended; and the reasons for such an extension.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 22 together.
The Government invited proposals in November 1983 for the provision on a concessionary basis of an Irish satellite network and an Irish direct satellite broadcasting service, preferably with some telecommunications capacity.
The closing date for receipt of proposals was 31 July 1984. That date was not extended but clarification of the proposals and attitudes of those involved had, as would be normal in such instances, to be sought subsequently.
A number of proposals were received by the closing date but, as the tendering process is a confidential one, it would be inappropriate to divulge who are the tenderers or to give any details such as the cost of the systems proposed by them.
Evaluation of the applications which, given the size and complexity of the project necessarily took some time, was completed recently at departmental level. I would expect that the Government will be making a decision in principle regarding the award of the franchise shortly.
It is not possible to give the estimated commencement date of the project at this time but it is likely to be at least two to three years. The cost of the project will be borne totally by the successful applicant and there will be no State costs involved. Consequently the question of including any cost provisions in my Department's Estimates does not arise.
Would the Minister indicate the actual cost or the lowest tender submitted by an applicant at this stage and the reason it will take two or three years for a final decision to be reached in regard to a commencement date for this project? Would he agree that if we do not move in this area very quickly we will have no opportunity to get into this very exciting and worthwhile area of broadcasting? The Minister should take an early decision and proceed with the project or otherwise inform the House on what is the situation.
As I said in my reply, this matter will be before the Government for decision very shortly. I cannot say what was the lowest tender; it would not be practicable to do that. In regard to the Deputy's question as to why it will take two to three years to commence the project, that is the time scale involved in ordering a satellite, having the configuration agreed, first of all, and then made, then having the satellite launched. In addition, all sorts of programme considerations have to be taken into account. Moreover, an analysis of how to penetrate the market and be received by viewers has to be considered. Therefore, it is a very complex question. In other countries in Europe there has been a great slowing down of developments in this connection because of the highly speculative nature of the proposals and because of the rapid change in technology.
Would the Minister indicate if——
Just a moment, Deputy, we will not take the questions nominated for priority. The Deputy who put down the balloted question must remain silent. Nor can any other Deputies ask supplementaries on Question No. 15. Deputy Leyden who put down the question nominated for priority may, subject to the discretion of the Chair, ask further questions on that.
Would that deal with Question No. 22 as well?
We would deal with Question No. 22 only.
We were dealing with Question No. 22 as well as Question No. 15.
The Deputy cannot——
On a point of information. It is very confusing for us sitting here wanting to ask supplementaries when priority questions are announced and the Minister has taken seven questions together before 3.30 p.m.
The Minister just dealt with Questions Nos. 15 and 22. I am sorry if it was not clear.
We want to ask some supplementaries.
The Deputy cannot, unfortunately.
In relation to the actual tender for this direct satellite broadcasting, would the Minister say if the indications are that it would be an Irish-based group of firms that will be involved in providing services and would the Minister say how much benefit would accrue to the State as a result of the direct broadcasting satellite franchise, or will it be given to a firm outside of the State and will it be of no direct benefit for job creation here?
I would not speculate on the decision of the Government in this matter, so I cannot answer the Deputy's questions. The Government would be most anxious to get the maximum benefit for the State from these proposals.
This is a very important issue and the Minister is not being very frank with the House.
A question, Deputy. The Deputy is proceeding to——
The Minister has not given the information.
I cannot.
Question Time should be about giving answers to the House. The Minister will be entering into a major contract for direct satellite broadcasting without consultation with this House and the Minister has not the authority to enter into such a contract——
A question, Deputy.
——without bringing legislation before this House. The fact that we will have direct satellite broad-casting——
We cannot have a speech——
——in the next three or four years, without consultation with this House, has serious implications for this House. This is the one opportunity we have to get information and the Minister is not giving the information.
The Deputy can be assured that I will not exceed the authority of the House and that if I require extra authority I will seek it from the House. I am anxious for the House to have an opportunity to discuss the proposals as soon as possible after the Government have made a decision on it.
Question No. 19.
I understand that the national handlers will have an input into this matter.
Every Question Time the Deputy makes scurrilous remarks——
(Interruptions.)
We are aware that a certain individual will have a very big say in this contract.
Mr. Mitchell
The Deputy is wrongly aware.
The Minister does not know who——
I know whom the Deputy means, and he is wrongly aware.