Austin Deasy
Ceist:30 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she intends to legalise television deflector systems throughout the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14906/97]
Written Answers. - Television Deflector Systems.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:51 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Public Enterprise whether she will license community deflector television; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14913/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 30 and 51 together.
The licensing of television deflector operators is a very complex issue. The legislative position is that while I have a policy role in relation to 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 Regulations appointed under the Telecommunications (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 would be subject to my consent.
I also understand that the director has initiated a consultancy study in relation to this matter with a view to determining the appropriate course of action.