asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if the tests being conducted by his Department on different types of citizen band radio equipment have been completed; if recommendations have been submitted to him; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna-Questions. Oral Answers. - Citizen Band Radio.
26.
The answer to the first two parts of the question is yes.
I have decided to authorise a citizens band service, to be known as "Personal Radio Service", on 27MHz, using frequency modulation with a maximum of 40 channels and with a maximum transmitter output of four watts.
Existing four watt amplitude modulation equipment will be phased out over a two-year transition period and the importation and sale of this equipment will be made illegal from the commencement of the transition period.
Full details of the new licensing regulations will be announced shortly.
That move will be welcomed by the enthusiasts of such equipment.
Is this another vote of congratulation?
Yes.
Has Deputy Cogan a question?
Minister Reynolds deserves to be congratulated, too.
He is not even here when he should be here.
Has Deputy Cogan a question?
I think we are doing all right.
Admittedly, there are some who are worse than the Minister of State.
Will the Minister allow the use of side bands?
The technical announcement in respect of this equipment will be made within a matter of days. As the matter is very complicated it would be better for us to wait for the announcement on the technical side.
Do I take it that new legislation is not necessary? It is only a matter of regulation.
It is just a matter of regulation.
And these regulations will be available within a matter of days?
They will be available shortly. I do not want to come back here in three days and hear the Deputy say that the Minister of State said the regulations would be ready in two days.
My worry is that I might be coming back in two months.
Is the Minister aware that the output from such radios can be boosted enormously by the use of high aerials and base transmitters and so cause interference?
I am so aware and we have done an extensive series of tests in the city of Dublin and throughout the country. That is why I say that it would probably be better to wait for the technical aspects of the tests because, arising from those inquiries, certain technical aspects will be brought out and will be accompanied by documentation.
Where interference is caused to television receivers resulting in problems mentioned already by the Minister, what action does the Minister propose to take? If the Minister proposes to take no action, what action is open to the consumer?
In my reply I stated that we were changing to the 27MHz, Frequency Modulation, known as FM.
Will that solve all problems?
That will eliminate what we call the television blink.