Vol. 443 No. 7
179 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if an RTE transmitter which transmits to Northern Ireland operates at only a 30 per cent efficiency rate by agreement between RTE and BBC, presumably by inter-government agreement; if screens are used to prevent a more satisfactory broadcast; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
RTE transmitters which provide some coverage into Northern Ireland were installed after lengthy negotiations with the United Kingdom. Such negotiations are required under the Stockholm Agreement, 1961. Under the agreement reached with the United Kingdom, the power radiated towards Northern Ireland from these transmitters is currently restricted. The question of improving RTE coverage in Northern Ireland is presently being addressed through the forum of the Anglo-Irish Conference, and this involves input from my Department, the Department of Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht, RTE and the Department of Foreign Affairs.
