asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether, as recently reported, negotiations are in progress between the Government and twelve companies for the provision of a television service; and whether he will now make a statement on the type of service to be provided.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Television Service.
93.
The answer to the first part of the question is no. The report referred to was immediately denied through the Government Information Bureau.
As I have already announced, the Government have decided to set up a public Authority to control both sound broadcasting and television and an Advisory Committee has been appointed to advise and assist me in putting in hand, on behalf of the future Authority, certain arrangements for expediting the opening of the proposed television service. Tenders have been invited for the transmitter station at Kippure; plans are being prepared for television broadcasting studios at the Montrose property at Stillorgan Road, Dublin, and arrangements are being made for the acquisition of four television transmitter sites which were selected after survey as being the most suitable for giving coverage of the areas which will not be served from Kippure.
Where are these four sites?
The Commissioners of Public Works have been asked to acquire the sites as quickly as possible. At this stage, I do not think it would be advisable to name the places where the sites are situated.