asked the Minister for Communications if his attention has been drawn to the widespread discontent and anger which prevails in Roscrea, County Tipperary due to the frequent confiscation of equipment beaming multichannel television into the area; the plans, if any, he has provide alternative multichannel for Roscrea; when he expects this to come into operation; if, in the interim period, he will allow the present system to continue without confiscation of equipment to ensure that this service is not denied to the people of Roscrea; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Roscrea Multichannel Television.
148.
Officials of my Department have, on two occasions, acting an foot of court orders, seized equipment which was part of an illegal rebroadcasting system which would have served Roscrea. The equipment was causing interference to a licensed user of wireless telegraphy apparatus. As Minister for Communications, I have a general responsibility to protect those licensed under the Wireless Telegraphy Acts from illegal operations.
As I have indicated earlier to the House the possibility and appropriateness of licensing Multipoint Microwave Distribution Systems (MMDS) to provide an increased choice of viewing to areas not already served by cable is under consideration and I expect to make decisions in the matter shortly.
In the meantime any illegal rebroadcasting system is liable to seizure and its operator to prosecution.