asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he has received communications from the Ballyfermot Community Association Dublin, and from a firm of specialists in television systems (name supplied); and if he will make a general state ment on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ballyfermot Cable TV System.
122.
I assume the Deputy has in mind communications about a recent application for a licence for a micro-wave link to bring television signals into the Ballyfermot area for the purpose of a cable tele vision system. Some complex issues are involved which will have to be considered carefully in detail. It will therefore, necessarily be some time before any decision is reached on the application.
I might add that no decision has yet been made regarding the firm or firms which will be given a licence to provide a cable system in Ballyfermot.
Is the Minister aware that the groups representing tenants in this area have considered this matter in great detail? They have also considered the Minister's statements and legislation in relation to this matter and have come to the conclusion that this particular system is the one most suitable for the Ballyfermot area. Can he explain why he has an objection to it now when apparently he has not the statutory authority to enforce it?
As I indicated to the House, the situation is complex and has been considerably oversimplified by the Deputy. Two cable operators have applied for licences for cable systems in this area. This is one of a number of areas where there is a conflict of interests between cable operators and, I may say, a certain amount of lobbying on their behalf. The question of holding a competition for an exclusive licence to provide a cable system in Ballyfermot and other areas concerned will arise if negotiations between cable operators and the Department fail to resolve these conflicts.
There is a limitation on spectrum space. In order to conserve scarce frequency resources the use of micro-wavelengths for point to point communication has not been permitted except in exceptional circumstances— for example, for the television transmitter network and the ESB private communication network. Relay of television signals to cable systems by micro-wavelengths would absorb a disproportionate amount of spectrum space. For example, a channel which would provide many hundreds of telephone circuits would cater for the relay of only a single television programme and five or more television programmes are relayed on each individual cable system at present. There are a number of other factors involved. The House will understand that it is very necessary for my Department to carry out a detailed examination of all the implications involved.
The Minister may be aware that this community which was at one time the subject of comedians' jokes has now found an identity of its own. Is the Minister aware that not only did community representatives attend at a certain meeting some weeks ago but also that technical people were available to advise on the various systems that might be suitable for the area? As a result of this advice the community representatives have come down emphatically in favour of the name supplied to the company.
I am not so aware.
That is unfortunate. The Minister should find out. He was written to.
Question No. 123 postponed.