asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the progress that has been made in the last six months in the improvements of television reception in the valley from Half Way, Ballinhassig to Ballygarvin, County Cork.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cork Television Reception.
52.
No progress has been made about improving television reception in this particular area, but RTE have completed a detailed examination of reception in the country as a whole and have put forward proposals for dealing with it over a period of three to four years. These proposals are at present under consideration in my Department.
Is the Minister seriously suggesting to the people in that valley that they will be without television for two or three years from now?
I am certainly concerned that the people in the valley should receive as good reception as possible, but it is a fact that there are certain areas, including valley areas of this type, where reception at the moment is unsatisfactory. That is the case not just in this valley but in many valleys of similar configuration. This is a general problem and it is a problem that must be dealt with generally. It is not a fact that people are without television there. It is a fact that reception is less good than it is in more favoured areas. We will do what we can to improve reception.
It is not a question of being less good; it is a question of very bad reception. This is an area adjacent to Cork city; it is within a four or five mile radius of the city centre and the attitude of the Minister's Department is that it may be three to four years——
A question, please, Deputy.
Certainly. Is the Minister telling these people that it will be three to four years before this problem is resolved despite the fact that in May of this year the Minister said a survey was being carried out with a view to having the situation remedied? In view of this, will the Minister now see to it that this problem is dealt with expeditiously and an adequate television service is provided for these people?
I shall try to ensure that the condition is dealt with as speedily as possible.