Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 27 Apr 1993

Vol. 429 No. 6

Written Answers. - Community TV.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

38 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the action, if any, taken following the commitment given (details supplied) to review the position in relation to community TV; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

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

I refer the Deputy to the replies to Question No. 65 on 18 May 1988, columns 1791-92, Volume 380, Official Report No. 8 for that day, Question No. 87 on 20 November 1990, columns 1902-3, Volume 402, Official Report for that day, Question No. 2 on 2 April 1992, columns 417-419, Volume 418 of the Official Report for that date and Question No. 414 of 10 February 1993, Official Report not available yet.

These replies set out the reasons why successive Governments have decided that it would neither be practical nor in the national interest to license illegal rebroadcasting or deflector systems. It has also been explained in answers to parliamentary questions in the past why UHF deflector systems, for practical and policy reasons, cannot be licensed and, therefore, do not and never have constituted an acceptable alternative means of providing a multichannel television service on a nationwide basis to areas which are not cabled. That policy is not being reviewed.