Austin Deasy
Ceist:88 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if she will license the television deflector operators; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13857/97]
Written Answers. - Television Deflectors.
The licensing of television deflector operators is a very complex issue. I am currently familiarising myself with the issue and I will be evaluating the various policy options.
While I will continue to exercise a role in relation to overall policy on the allocation and use of radio frequency spectrum, the legal power to issue licences to television deflector operators pursuant to section 5 of the Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1926, was transferred, with effect from 30 June 1997, to the Director of Telecommunications Regulation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1996.
It is, accordingly, a legal function of the director in the first instance to address the question of licensing such operators. Any licensing regulations proposed by the Director of Telecommunications Regulation would be subject to my consent.