Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 29 Jun 1999

Vol. 507 No. 2

Written Answers. - Telecommunications Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

29 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the plans, if any, she has to alter or amend any of the guidelines or terms of reference in respect of the manner or method by which the Director of Telecommunications Regulation will address the issue of television deflectors; if this matter will be brought to the attention of Government in the near future; if any submission on this issue has been made to Government in the past two years; if she has received any communications from those in receipt of deflector relayed television reception or from those deprived of this facility; if she has or will respond to these queries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16516/99]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

I have no plans to alter or amend the manner in which the Director of Telecommunications Regulation will address the issue of television deflectors.

In May 1999 the director published a consultation paper in which she set out proposals for a licensing system for TV deflectors. I understand that the responses received as a result of that paper are currently being examined by the director. It would, therefore, be inappropriate for me to anticipate the outcome of the director's examination of the issue or to speculate on whether the matter will be brought to Government. I can, however, assure the Deputy that if proposals are made to me, I will give them careful consideration.

While the issue of television deflectors has not been brought formally to Government since the formation of this Government, I keep my colleagues appropriately briefed on a broad range of issues relating to my Department, in line with general Government practice.

The Deputy will be aware that the regulation of television rebroadcasting systems is a matter for the Director of Telecommunications Regulation in accordance with functions transferred to her under the Telecommunications (Miscellan-eous Provisions) Act, 1996 and that representations in regard to the licensing of deflector systems are a matter for the director.