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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 14 Oct 1997

Vol. 481 No. 4

Written Answers. - Television Services.

Donal Carey

Question:

205 Mr. D. Carey asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if she has received correspondence from a person (details supplied); if so, the date on which it was received; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16239/97]

Enda Kenny

Question:

211 Mr. E. Kenny asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if she will make a statement on her meeting with a person (details supplied) regarding his claim and wish to set up an Irish music television station; her views on the feasibility of this proposal in view of its potential Irish job content; and if she will indicate her support for this project. [16246/97]

Tógfaidh mé Ceisteanna Uimh. 205 agus Uimh. 211 le chéile.

The person in question first wrote to the then Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht in January of this year and contacts and discussions between my Department and the person concerned have taken place on a number of occasions since then. I met the person referred to on 8 October 1997 in order to allow him the opportunity to give me a personal briefing on his proposal to establish a cable-only Irish based popular music channel. During the course of the meeting I indicated that I was sympathetic to the proposal. However, in the course of considering the proposal, my Department consulted the Independent Radio and Television Commission (IRTC) as a matter of courtesy. The Independent Radio and Television Commission have asked me to defer a decision until they have had an opportunity to meet and discuss the matter with me. I believe that it is not unreasonable to afford the Independent Radio and Television Commission this opportunity and I hope to meet them shortly. I will make my decision following the meeting. It is a matter for the promoter of the proposal to determine its feasibility. I personally hope that the channel can be established and that it will be a success.
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