Vol. 475 No. 1
283 Mr. N. Treacy asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the progress, if any, he has made regarding legislation for deflector television since the Government assumed office in 1994; the date on which legislation will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4469/97]
284 Mr. N. Treacy asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the current position in relation to deflector television; the official position of his Department in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4473/97]
288 Mr. N. Treacy asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the current position in relation to legislation being drafted in his Department for deflector television; the official position of the Government in relation to deflector television; the date on which legislation will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4468/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 283, 284 and 288 together.
There is no legislation being drafted in my Department relating to television deflector systems.
The official position of my Department and that of the Government in the matter is that these systems are operating illegally. However, the House will be aware that following the judgment in the High Court case taken by South Coast Community Television I must reconsider an application from that organisation for a licence to operate. To that end I commissioned a technical analysis by consultants, nominated by the European Broadcasting Union, who have, in the last few days submitted their report. That report is now being examined by my officials and a decision on the application will be made as soon as possible. In reaching that decision account will be taken of the implications which may arise for the operation of deflector systems generally in the country.
