asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will confirm or otherwise reports that all-Ireland TV will cost £30 per television set for the necessary conversion.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - All-Ireland TV.
47.
It is not possible to say at this stage what the conversion costs will be for individual television set owners if it is found practicable to introduce all-Ireland TV. I understand that a lot will depend on the technical means used to provide the service and on the type of set being used, and that in some cases no extra expense may be involved, whereas in other cases a new set may be necessary. For instance, if, as a first step towards an open broadcasting area, one Northern Ireland channel were rebroadcast on VHF it could be received on most people's present television sets.
Has the Minister worked out how any change where a new television set was required or where an expensive conversion job was required would affect the people who are in receipt of free television licences?
I hope to make a fuller statement on this rather complicated range of subjects at a somewhat later stage. I hope the Deputy will forgive me if I say that this whole matter is under intensive study at the present time.
Is the Minister keeping that aspect in mind?
Very much so.