John Browne
Question:60 Mr. Browne (Carlow-Kilkenny) asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she will allow competition to improve the standards in relation to cable television and MMDS and put an end to the monopoly situation. [16618/97]
Written Answers - Broadcasting Licences.
The legal power to issue licences to operators of television broadcasting systems pursuant to section 5 of the Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1926 was transferred, with effect from 30 June 1997, to the Director of Telecommunications Regulation appointed pursuant to the Telecommunications (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1996. Accordingly, it is a legal function of the director to address the question of increasing the number of licensees in this area.