Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 5 Mar 1996

Vol. 462 No. 5

Written Answers. - V-Chip Micro Circuit.

Liam Lawlor

Question:

119 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the plans, if any, he has to establish an advisory committee to examine the matter of the V Chip, a micro circuit, which can help parents to control the amount of sex and violence seen by their children on television in view of the imminent availability of this new technology and the recent EU decision which will compel manufacturers to include the chip in all new televisions: the plans, if any, he has to involve the various parents' councils and associations in these consultations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4862/96]

Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht (Mr. M. Higgins)

I have no function with regard to the technical standards for the manufacture of television sets. The Deputy will appreciate that the matters raised in his question, relating as it does to the technical standards for the manufacture of television sets, are not a matter for my Department.