asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether he is aware of the continued interference with television and radio reception caused by electrical apparatus not fitted with suppressors; what steps are being taken to stop such interference; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Radio and TV Interference.
46.
I am aware that some interference with television and radio reception is still being caused by electrical apparatus. Radio Eireann, which has been given all powers appropriate for the investigation and detection of interference, investigates complaints of this nature if detailed particulars are forwarded to it.
It is not possible to prevent all interference. The most that can be hoped for is to reduce it to a level which will permit enjoyable reception of the Irish programmes. The signal strength from distant stations is usually below what is necessary for good reception.
In general the co-operation of the manufacturers and of the electrical trade has been received in ensuring that equipment liable to cause undue interference to television and radio reception is not placed on sale to the public and in arranging to have suppressors fitted in instances where interference has been caused by a particular type of equipment.
On the recommendation of the Advisory Committee on Interference, two sets of regulations governing the control of interference have been made and are now in force, namely, S.I. No. 108 of 1963 which deals with interference caused by small electric motors and S.I. No. 223 of 1963 which concerns interference caused by ignition apparatus forming part of an internal combustion engine. The Advisory Committee is at present studying ways and means of dealing with other sources of interference.