Vol. 469 No. 5
215 Mr. Hughes asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the companies or groups in County Mayo which have applied for licences to operate television deflector systems; and if he will give details in this regard. [17728/96]
216 Mr. Hughes asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications whether he will grant licences to television deflector groups in County Mayo which have sought such licences based on the principles set out in the High Court judgment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17729/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 215 and 216 together.
I have received applications from Ballyhaunis Community Multichannel TV and from Mayo Community TV in Balla.
Arising from the High Court judgment in the case taken against me by Carrigaline Community Television, trading as South Coast Community Television, I have put in place a mechanism for the assessment of an application from that company for a licence. I have appointed independent technical consultants, nominated by the European Broadcasting Union, to assist me and I expect that they will be in a position to report to me in the matter by the end of November next.
While the High Court judgment related only to an application from South Coast Community Television I will, of course, have regard to the implications for other deflector systems which may arise from that assessment. The Deputy will appreciate that I cannot give any undertakings in relation to these systems. At this time I have no plans to issue any licences to them and the applicants referred to above have been so informed.
