asked the Minister for Communications if he will introduce a Bill to provide for legislation to control and legalise television deflectors.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Control of Television Deflectors.
5.
I have no plans for such legislation. There are major practical and policy issues involved in rebroadcasting systems.
First, the rebroadcasting of television signals would require under copyright law the agreement of the broadcasting authorities whose programmes are being rebroadcast. Secondly, the broadcasting frequencies available to this country under international agreements are not sufficient to allow the widespread rebroadcasting of television signals. Any such systems serving extensive areas would lead to unacceptable interference with other services and would inhibit the improvement of reception of existing RTE services and the development of new services.
Finally, there is the incompatibility of rebroadcasting systems with cable television systems and the fact that already the viability of a number of licensed cable systems is being threatened by illegal rebroadcasters.
The question of how less sparsely populated areas might be served by cable systems was raised in the report of the Cable Systems Committee published earlier this year and a recommendation made in the report that a plan to facilitate this, based on the principle of commercial viability, should be developed for the establishment and operation of a national distribution network is being studied.
Is the Minister aware of the widespread use of deflectors at the moment and the fact that in rural areas the need for multi-viewing is so widespread? In view of the situation would he at this stage set up a group to study the possibilities of a deflection system? We intend to bring in legislation on our return to office and I would like to have the report there when I come back. Would the Minister facilitate us by setting up a committee now to examine the possibilities of bringing in legislation for deflection systems?
That is another promise chalked up on the big board Fianna Fáil have. The Deputy was a Minister of State at my Department for some years and did absolutely nothing about rebroadcasting. This is a very difficult problem, as he well knows. There are international implications on two fronts, one under copyright law and the other under broadcasting channels allocated to this country. We should not ignore the effects deflectors are having on licensed cable franchise holders.
The Minister is saying he will stand idly by and allow rural areas to be deprived of multi-service television. At present there are a number of very successful rebroadcasting units. The Minister is ignoring the issue and should review the position. This matter can be legislated for, but I know that there is a bias against this in the Department. The Minister should indicate his policy in this matter.
The Deputy is treading on very dangerous ground. If he is aware of other countries where this has been done he should also be aware of the cost, particularly the cost to viewers. At present the vast majority of people who receive British services get them for nothing. I do not think they would welcome having to pay for them. There are many other issues involved which the Deputy should be aware of. This is not something to be rushed into or solved overnight, as the Deputy should well know.
Will the Minister set up a committee or an advisory group to consider this issue?
The question on the Order Paper is a simple one.
The problem will not go away. The Minister is ignoring the issue and he has not studied the implications of bringing forward legislation. The Minister is neglecting his responsibility in that regard.
Question Time will not improve by expanding questions out of all proportion.
It is important to have an opportunity to debate issues like this. I am not satisfied with the Minister's reply.
When Deputy Wilson was Minister for Posts and Telegraphs he acted very wisely and set up a satellite review committee. One of their recommendations was that another committee on cable systems should be set up. That was done. The cable systems committee have looked at the question of rebroadcasting and made certain points. We asked for submissions on the report, which are being received. We are examining the question to see what action is possible and appropriate.