I have raised this matter with the Minister for Transport Energy and Communications, Deputy Cowen, on a number of occasions over the past seven or eight months. There has been a certain improvement in the quality of reception of the two Irish television channels in West Waterford but, unfortunately, it is still not what it should be.
The history of the problem goes back to the replacement of the cable television system in the towns of Cappoquin, Lismore and Tallow by the MMDS system. We were led to believe that the MMDS system would be the answer to all our problems where television reception on a multi-channel basis was concerned. While it has provided good quality pictures for British channels, it has resulted in a serious deterioration in the quality of reception of the two Irish channels.
As a result of representations by members of Waterford County Council and by me in the Dáil, RTE has investigated the problem and brought about a certain improvement in the reception. It is still inferior, however, to that which was available prior to the introduction of the MMDS system. That particular system is operated by Cork Communications Limited who have been particularly negligent in not keeping the people informed and not responding to their complaints. There is a need for Cork Communications Limited to be wrapped on the knuckles by the Minister, Deputy Cowen, because of their ineptitude and this attitude. That is why I am required to raise this matter in the House repeatedly.
I ask the Minister to ensure that those of us who have supported the legally provided system — the MMDS system — rather than the illegal deflector systems are supported by the Minister. Unfortunately, that has not been the case to date. Those of us who have to suffer the taunts and harassment of the supporters of illegal deflector systems are entitled to protection and support. That has not been forthcoming.
I have every confidence in the Minister. I know he has endeavoured to do his best but it is simply not sufficient. Once again I am asking him to ensure that the quality of reception of RTE 1 and Network 2 is brought up to the standard which was previously available and to ensure that people who have the franchise to provide the MMDS system do so in areas where it has not yet been installed. I hope the Minister will live up to the commitments that he has given in this House but which, to date, have not been fulfilled.