asked the Minister for Communications if he has any proposal pending to introduce legislation to establish the independent television service; and if he has considered the viability of such a service.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Independent Television Service.
18.
There are no proposals to introduce legislation to establish such a service.
Will the Minister examine the possibility of providing an independent television service? It is my view that the population could support through advertising an independent television service. Such a service would guarantee the maintenance of a proper balance and keep RTE on their toes in regard to the lack of balance on programmes.
We often hear allegations about the lack of balance from Deputy Leyden and other quarters, but I should like to point out that there is a Broadcasting Complaints Commission. It is not right for a responsible spokesman to make such sweeping allegations from time to time casting aspersions on RTE without substantiating them or making use of the complaints mechanism. It is not easy to justify what Deputy Leyden said about the advertising base being sufficient to support a third service, particularly in view of what is happening to satellite TV. The direct broadcasting satellite is a couple of years off at best but in the field of low-powered satellites we are likely to have earlier developments. For example, in the next few months we may be asked to authorise cable systems to carry existing satellite services of which there are already six or seven in operation. In the cable areas, which represent about half of the country, we may have a seventh or eighth channel. Television and broadcasting are developing so rapidly that the recent survey in RTE was justified. I hope RTE are gearing themselves to exploit the opportunities and challenges that are coming up.
I am not saying that I support the establishment of an independent television service but I am anxious to have all the facts before we are returned to Government so that I can have an opportunity of considering the viability of an independent television service here. The Minister should not bury his head in the sand. He should seek information.
That is not a question.
I should like to raise on the Adjournment the Ireland-Europe shipping link.
I will communicate with the Deputy.
Is it not the practice that when questions are ruled out of order we are notified by the office of the Ceann Comhairle? We had several questions on the threatened B & I strike but they were ruled out of order. We have not been given any reason for that decision.
I ruled a number of questions out of order but I cannot say how many. I would have thought that the Deputy would have been notified.
The questions were listed on the draft Order Paper.
I will look into the matter.