Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 14 Nov 1996

Vol. 471 No. 6

Written Answers. - Television Retransmission.

Pat the Cope Gallagher

Question:

145 Mr. Gallagher (Donegal South-West) asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if his Department has received applications from Comhlacht Phobal Teilifíse Thír Chonaill Teo and Ardara Community Piped Television Limited; if so, when the applications were received; when he will make a decision in respect of these applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21421/96]

Pat the Cope Gallagher

Question:

146 Mr. Gallagher (Donegal South-West) asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the progress, if any, which has been made in relation to the Government's commitment in the programme entitled, A Government of Renewal, to allow competition between community television deflection systems and existing MMDS franchise holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21422/96]

Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications (Mr Lowry)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 145 and 146 together.

I received applications on behalf of Comhlacht Phobal Teilifise Thir Chonaill Teo and Ardara Community Television Limited in January 1996 and November 1995 respectively.

The Government's programme seeks to allow competition in television retransmission but makes this contingent on good frequency management principles, international obligations and on the outcome of the south coast legal proceedings.

The House will know that as a result of the court judgment in that case I am now reconsidering an application from south coast. I am looking forward to a report from the consultants I have appointed to assist me in the matter. In the course of my deliberations on the South Coast application I will examine any implications which may arise in respect of other deflector systems, but, as I have stated in this House before, it is not proposed to issue any new licences for television retransmission pending a final decision in that case.