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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 3 May 1989

Vol. 389 No. 5

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Foreign Languages Television Programmes.

14.

asked the Minister for Communications the discussions he has had with Cablelink regarding the possibility of screening TV5, the French language television station; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I have said before in replies to similar questions that I would like to see foreign language services on Cablelink and I have made my views known to Cablelink. However, it is a matter for the company to decide the foreign services it wishes to relay and I have no intention of obliging the company to carry any particular foreign language service. Given that the number of services available exceeds the capacity of the Cablelink system it is a matter for the company to decide which mix best suits the demands of their customers. I said in reply to Question No. 95 on 16 November 1988 that Cablelink were considering the possibility of "time-shifting" certain foreign language programmes. I understand that the company are still trying to find equipment which would allow them to do this automatically.

Will the Minister explain why his view has changed since he previously replied to questions on this matter? He indicated that he would first try to persuade the company, and would consider the possibility of obligation, to carry continental language television services, in view of the importance of foreign languages in the context of 1992. Why has the Minister hardened his view not to impose an obligation?

Mainly because of the present limited capacity of Cablelink. Cablelink are trying to facilitate the TV5 language service by time shifting. Later relaying is what is involved. Super Channel which is being taken over by the Italian broadcaster currently carries Italian language programmes throughout the night and that service is also available on Cablelink. My view is that TV5 should be carried at some stage but it is a matter of commercial judgement as to when it can be carried.

The time has come to deal with questions addressed to the Minister for Industry and Commerce.

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