asked the Minister for Justice the reason his Department have ceased supplying filters to TV householders in the Kerry area where TV reception is interfered with by the Garda radio network.
Written Answers. - Kerry TV Reception.
61.
I want first of all to make two points which were emphasised in reply to previous Parliamentary Questions on this general topic — one which I answered on 1 July 1986 and the other which my predecessor answered on 19 November 1985. The first point is that the matter of providing an adequate television signal in any particular area is the responsibility of RTE and secondly that the radio equipment and transmission channels being used by the gardaí meet with the approval of the appropriate licensing authority. However, I understand that in certain areas where there is a weak TV signal Garda transmissions can contribute to problems of TV reception. The Garda authorities have taken part in discussions with RTE on the matter and are willing to co-operate in any way open to them. As a gesture of goodwill the Garda have in a number of cases supplied and fitted filters where this contributed to a solution.
Some months ago all cases of this nature that had come to Garda notice had been dealt with and the technical advice available to the Garda suggested that the further supply of filters by the Garda would not be justified. More recently, however, some new complaints were received and a decision was taken some weeks ago that for the time being the arrangements for the supply of filters would be resumed though there may be some delay in obtaining a further stock. I should again stress, however, that this does not imply a continuing commitment to provide this service as the Garda Síochána do not accept that responsibility for the problem is primarily with them and they continue to be in touch with RTE in relation to the matter generally.