Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 3 Mar 1993

Vol. 427 No. 3

Written Answers. - TV Cable Company.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

41 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if he has received any application from a company (details supplied) to transmit advertisements; if he has received an application for increased charges for the company for cable television in Dublin; if he has had any discussion with the company regarding its decision to discontinue transmitting a number of channels; if he has any plans to permit continental services such as TV 5 to broadcast directly into Dublin; if he intends to review the 1988 regulations and to carry out a study of cable systems in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications (Mr. Cowen)

My Department is considering an application from the company in question seeking approval to originate advertisements during advertising breaks in the satellite television channels carried on its cable television network. As the proposals may have implications for broadcasting policy I have instructed my Department to consult with the Department of Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht on the matter and that consultation is in progress.

The cable company in question are not at present seeking an increase in charges.

I have no function in the commercial negotiations which are currently taking place between the company in question and the providers of certain satellite television services. My Department has been kept informed of developments by the cable company.

I have no function in relation to the broadcasting plans of continental television services from locations outside the country. The TV 5 service, mentioned by the Deputy, is a satellite television service and persons in Ireland who can receive the signal and wish to avail of that service can do so with the appropriate receiving equipment.

I have no plans for a specific review of the regulatory regime pertaining to the cable television industry at this time nor do I intend to carry out a study of cable systems. My Department monitors the cable industry on an ongoing basis in terms of the performance of cable licensees, their adherence to licence conditions and the interests of subscribers.