asked the Minister for Communications the action he proposes to take to ensure that the piped TV companies granted exclusive franchises provide a satisfactory service for those subscribing to the service.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Piped TV Companies.
2.
My statutory powers in relation to the operation of cable systems are laid down in the Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1926 (Wired Broadcast Relay Licence) Regulations 1974, S.I. No. 67 of 1974, and in general are confined to laying down technical specifications for such systems, to approving charges and to ensuring that cable licensees do not unreasonably refuse to provide service. The technical specifications are designed to minimise degradation of signal from the reception point to the subscribers' connection point and to meet certain safety requirements. It needs to be emphasised that cable systems cannot improve the quality of signal received at the reception point and since UK signals received here are of a fringe nature they will always be susceptible to fading and interference.
Complaints about the day to day operations of cable television companies are primarily a matter to be dealt with underthe terms of the contract between the subscriber and the cable company in question. My Department from time to time carry out technical audits of cable systems, particularly where there is some evidence that the specifications are not being met and this practice will continue within the resources available. However the primary responsibility — and commercial imperative — to provide satisfactory service rests on the cable operator.
Since the Minister is receiving a licence fee from the cable companies, does he not feel that his Department should be involved when there are problems of inadequate service? Does he feel he should take a more positive approach to those problems which arise due to bad management or poor equipment?
The Department from time to time carry out technical audits when we have continued complaints about the failure of a cable company to deliver as expected. Sometimes many faults which are attributed to the cable companies are not actually their responsibility but due to the fringe nature of the reception and the fact that it is not possible to improve the reception as taken from the air. However, there have been indications of laxity on the part of the cable company to have that matter investigated. This can be done and in one case the licence was suspended. As regards the question put down by Deputy Leonard, if he has a specific complaint, I shall be pleased to have it investigated.
Would the Minister like to state how many complaints have been made to his Department that he understood, under his brief, should be examined?
I do not have the actual figures for that. Arising out of all the complaints I know that one cable company lost their licence. That is the only case where that ultimate action was taken.
But there were other investigations?
There were. As the Deputy is aware, it is very difficult to take away a licence because of the question of leaving all the subscribers without their source of television and the difficulty of getting an alternative licensee to pick up the slack.