asked the Minister for Communications if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties likely to be faced by persons who have subscribed to illegal cable television operators in good faith, without knowing that the operator was not licensed, if these operators are closed down in the new year; if it is intended to close down illegal cable operators; if he has had any discussions with Cablelink regarding the possibility of that company taking on these subscribers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Unlicensed Cable Television Operation.
179.
I am not aware of the existence of a significant problem with illegal cable television systems. The provisions of the Broadcasting and Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1988 will apply to such systems. However, to the extent that no serious or widespread problem exists my Department would be prepared, within the constraints of the statutory framework for licensing cable systems, to consider as sympathetically as possible any application received from the operators of such systems to be licensed.
I have had no discussions with Cable-link in the matter.