asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will issue the appropriate licence to provide multi-channel television for people in the Clonmel area of County Tipperary and if he will make a statement outlining the assistance available.
Written Answers. - Clonmel Multi-Channel TV.
240.
My Department do not license multi-channel cable television systems in any area unless they have satisfactory evidence that multi-channel signals capable of providing reliable reception on a cable system are available off-air, using conventional means, in the area to be served. The Department have no such evidence in respect of Clonmel. The question of holding a competition for an exclusive licence for the provision of a cable system there will be considered if evidence is produced, from tests conducted over a reasonable period, to show that multi-channel signals of this kind are available in Clonmel. My Department would be glad to outline to anyone interested the type of tests which should be carried out and the type of evidence required in order to warrant the holding of the competition.