Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 6 Nov 1996

Vol. 471 No. 2

Written Answers. - Television Deflector Systems.

Séamus Hughes

Question:

174 Mr. Hughes asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if he will give details of the person who initiated the contacts referred to in his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 261 of 30 October 1996; if he will give details of these contacts; whether they are ongoing; the nature of the expertise of the United States firm, giving details of the consultants or employees of the firm or third party agents; and the proposals, if any, he has to further engage such contacts in resolving the matters in question. [20511/96]

Séamus Hughes

Question:

175 Mr. Hughes asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the names of the consultants and the United States firm they represent as referred to in his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 261 of 30 October 1996. [20512/96]

Seamus Brennan

Question:

177 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if he will report on his Department's discussions with the United States of America consultants on behalf of a firm in the United States of America regarding a solution to the television deflector system difficulty. [20601/96]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 174, 175 and 177 together.

As I said in my reply to a question in this House on last Wednesday, 30 October, the only consultancy in place is the one referred to in my reply to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 215 and 216 of 8 October last. I have no plans to appoint any other consultants in this matter.

The open policy approach that I adopt to new technical developments which may be of benefit to Ireland brings me into contact with people and businesses which may be able to contribute to resolving problems in the television transmission area.

I arranged meetings between officials of my Department and Hunter Associates who have contacts with US companies with relevant expertise in the television transmission sector.

No feasible proposal, particular to the deflector issue, emerged from these contacts and no further involvement is envisaged.