asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will give details of the Government's decision concerning the introduction of a television service in this country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Television Service.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will state the Government's policy on the provision of a television service.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 23 and 24 together.
The Government have decided that it is desirable that this country should have a television service. In present circumstances, it is clear that such a service must be largely commercial in character, depending on its revenue from advertisers. I have accordingly announced that the Government are prepared to consider proposals from private interests for the provision of a transmission network, that will ensure satisfactory reception in all parts of the country, as well as the necessary studios and complementary indoor and outdoor equipment. The entire capital and maintenance costs will be met by the promoting group or groups in consideration of a licence to operate commercial programmes for a term of years. Several proposals of this character have already been made. It is not contemplated that any part of the operating cost should fall on the Exchequer. The television system will become State property and will be under the control of a television authority to be set up. This authority, among other things, will ensure conformity with desirable programme and technical standards and may make special arrangements regarding such matters as the presentation of news and the position of the Irish language. It will be a condition that part of the time will be made available for programmes of a public service character.
Will the Minister say if it is intended that any company that complies with the regulations will be permitted to establish a service?
All proposals by all companies that are furnished to us in the proper manner will be considered. It will only then emerge as to what company or companies may be permitted to do any particular thing in regard to a television service.
When the Minister says "company or companies", is it the intention that one company will be given a monopoly, or, if there are a number of suitable companies anxious and ready to establish a television service here, will such companies, provided they comply with the regulations, be enabled to establish a service?
That, I am afraid, is a separate question.
No decision has yet been taken.
All I would like to say now is that the Dáil will be given every opportunity to discuss these matters, if and when they arise.
Can we take it, therefore, that before any irrevocable commitment is made, the Dáil will have an opportunity of considering the matter so as to inform the public as to what is afoot before any definite scheme is embarked upon?
Answering for the Government, I say that that will be done. There is no intention of going behind anybody's back and certainly not behind the back of the Dáil.
I wish to ask the Minister whether he received an application from any of these companies asking for a monopoly?
That is a separate question.
Is the Minister yet in a position to state what type of television board he intends to set up or does he intend that the board will be of such a nature as to ensure that the television service will remain under the control of the State?
Decisions have not yet been taken.
Who is replying to the questions?
I am replying, in the situation that there is a transfer of Ministers taking place just now. Final decisions in regard to these matters have not yet been taken.
Will the Taoiseach allow the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs to reply to some later questions on the Order Paper?
That is a separate question.
Can the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs state how many applications to establish a television service he has received?
I am afraid the Deputy has got all the information I think it wise to give at this stage.
I did not think the Minister was as much afraid of him as all that. He is really a very mild man, if you take him the right way.