asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will consider the setting up of a second TV station to give better quality programmes and also to pick up and transmit all BBC sports programmes, especially Grandstand and Match of the Day.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - TV Service.
102.
There are no plans at present for the provision of a second television service. I have no function in regard to the relay of external programmes.
Would not the Minister agree that it would promote understanding between North and South if RTE broadcasts were boosted in the North in return for an agreement that we would boost BBC and UTV programmes in the South?
That would be entirely a different question.
Yes, but perhaps the Minister might like to comment on it?
As the Leas-Cheann Comhairle says, it is a separate question but if the Deputy wishes to put down a direct question next week, I shall be only too glad to answer it.
Efforts should be made to pick up and transmit all BBC sports programmes.
In order to do that it would be necessary to promote in the South BBC and Northern Ireland programmes.
The Deputy will appreciate that there will be an Estimate before the House within the next week or so when all these matters can be discussed.
I am trying to get the Minister's view so that I shall be prepared when the Estimate is before the House.