Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 19 Dec 1996

Vol. 473 No. 3

Written Answers. - Television Reception.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

251 Mr. E. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the action, if any, he proposes to take to overcome the serious difficulties which have arisen whereby persons receiving a television service from South Coast Community Television in County Cork have in many instances lost service due to the introduction of Teilifís na Gaeilge and its use of the same frequency wave; and when he proposes to grant a licence to South Coast Television, particularly in view of the problems which have arisen. [25071/96]

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

I am not aware of the difficulties referred to by the Deputy but it does not entirely surprise me that interference to unlicensed operators is beginning to manifest itself.

It had always been planned that Teilifís na Gaeilge would be transmitted nationwide on the ultra high frequency band. Frequency space in that band is limited and, in planning its use, priority has always been given to the national television programme services. Unauthorised users, because of the frequency congestion created by their operations, must expect the possibility of interference as the national services take up the space allocated to them.

Where an unauthorised user is transmitting on the same, or an adjacent frequency channel to a licensed operator, there will inevitably be interference — possibly to both. I am sure that the Deputy will agree with me that interference-free reception of the national programme services must be a priority.

The Deputy will be aware that the fourth national programme service has yet to come on air. Use of the band will be even more restrictive at that stage.

The Deputy will also be aware that an application for a licence from South Coast Community Television is currently being assessed by a team of consultants who will advise me on the technical aspects. I hope to have the consultants' report in the near future. I will make a decision in the matter as soon as possible thereafter.