asked the Minister for Communications the present state of direct broadcasting satellite plans affecting Ireland; whether any public sector involvement is planned; and the impact on the existing broadcasting services which is envisaged.
Written Answers. - Direct Broadcasting Satellite.
77.
In December 1986 the then Minister for Communications on behalf of the Government gave a commitment to issue a licence to Atlantic Satellites Ltd. to provide an Irish Satellite Network which would utilise the five direct broadcasting by satellite frequency assignments allocated by international agreement. The licence would issue when the company has become irrevocably committed to construct and launch the satellite network. The original commitment to issue a licence expired at the end of 1987. Having considered the case made by the company I granted an extension of time to the end of 1988 to allow the company to continue its marketing efforts. This project is a very high risk venture and no public sector financial exposure is involved.
It is expected that DBS services provided on the proposed Irish satellite system, to be financially viable, will have to secure an international audience base. I do not visualise such services having any significant impact on existing and planned terrestrial broadcasting services in this country.