Vol. 476 No. 5
258 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 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. [7393/97]
259 Mr. Gallagher (Donegal South-West) asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the progress, if any, which has been made in relation to licence applications by companies (details supplied) in County Donegal; if he will expedite the granting of these licences in view of the current situation in County Donegal where vast areas of the county are without television reception; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7394/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 258 and 259 together.
The Government programme, while it seeks to allow competition in television retransmission, makes this contingent on the application of good frequency management principles, our international obligations and on the outcome of the south Coast Community Television 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 Community Television. In the course of my deliberations on the matter I will examine and take account of any implications which may arise in respect of other deflector systems. I am not in a position to say when I will reach a conclusion.
