Vol. 505 No. 1
32 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the policy position in regard to the future of television deflectors; the plans, if any, she has to make legislative changes or otherwise with the objective of ensuring the availability of the widest possible television coverage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13035/99]
My policy in regard to delivery systems for television systems is to encourage competition among the various delivery platforms consistent with the optimum use of available spectrum.
Deputies will be aware from previous replies to questions on this topic that the licensing of television deflector systems is a matter for the director of telecommunications regulation who, I understand, intends shortly to initiate a consultation process on the issue.
The objective of that process will be to invite and examine comments from any interested parties or individuals and to formulate proposals and recommendations in respect of the future operation of deflector systems. Until that has been completed, it would be inappropriate for me to speculate on the outcome.
In the event that the director determines that there should be a change to the current licensing regime, it will be necessary for her to draft legislative proposals to which my consent will be necessary. It would be premature for me to comment as to whether I will give such consent in advance of receiving proposals from the director.
