Michael Ring
Question:138 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Public Enterprise when she will legalise community deflector systems. [14233/97]
Written Answers - Community Deflector Systems.
Michael Ring
Question:139 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the progress, if any, she has made since taking up office in relation to community deflector systems; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14234/97]
Michael Ring
Question:140 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the estimated timeframe within which she hopes to have the community deflector systems problem resolved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14235/97]
Ivan Yates
Question:141 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she will clarify the Government's position in relation to the licensing of community television rebroadcast systems; and if she will make a statement as to when local groups will be able to apply for such licences. [14429/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 138, 139, 140 and 141 together.
The licensing of televisions deflector operators is a very complex issue. The legislative position is that while I have a policy role in relation to the allocation and use of radio frequency spectrum, the legal power to issue licences to television deflector operators pursuant to section 5 of the Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1926 was transferred, with effect from 3 June 1997, to the Director of Telecommunications Regulation appointed under the Telecommunications (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1996.
It is accordingly a legal function of the director in the first instance to address the question of licensing such operators. Any licensing regulations proposed by the director would be subject to my consent.
I also understand that the director has initiated a consultancy study in relation to this matter with a view to determining the appropriate course of action.