Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 12 May 1994

Vol. 442 No. 7

Written Answers. - Competing Television Services.

Paul Bradford

Question:

23 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications his views on competition in the provision of television services; if he will outline the difficulties preventing him from granting licensing arrangements for community television; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Phil Hogan

Question:

25 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications his views on competition in the provision of television services; if he will outline the difficulties preventing him from granting licensing arrangements for community television; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 21, 23 and 25 together.

I am in favour of competition in the provision of services in so far as that is practicable. I believe that MMDS, as a regulated franchise system, is the most practicable way to provide the multi-channel service to non-cabled areas. MMDS, of course, competes with direct-to-home satellite television.

If by "community television" the Deputies are referring to illegal deflector operations which provide a "re-beaming" service in some areas of the country then my position is that such systems cannot be licensed. There is simply not enough frequency space available to Ireland to enable a nationwide network of deflector transmitters to be established and at the same time meet other national requirements, such as those of RTE, a possible independent third channel and Teilifís na Gaeilge. The allocation of these frequencies is strictly governed by our obligations under the Stockholm Treaty of 1961. Those calling for the licensing of illegal deflector systems in effect are asking me to close off options for the future development of domestic television services in this country.