asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he can now state when it is expected that the television service will be available in Cork.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cork Television Service.
37.
It is the function of the Broadcasting Authority under the Act to provide a National Television Service and the Authority alone will determine the order in which the service will be introduced. I understand that no decision has been taken yet regarding the provision of a service outside the Dublin area.
They are cutting out Cork at last.
Could the Minister not even hazard a guess?
The Oireachtas in its wisdom did not provide me with the authority to alter the priority.
The Minister will take note that Cork requires it first.
That is a matter for the Authority.
Assuming that the Minister has some good offices with the new Broadcasting Authority, would he not ensure that areas in the south and west which are not now provided with T.V. will get it reasonably quickly?
The Authority was established to carry out that function. I do not intend to interfere with the Authority in its decision as to what order the priority can take.
Without interfering, would the Minister express to the Authority that the service should be made available?
I do not intend to go even that far.