Vol. 486 No. 5
31 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the decision, if any, she has made regarding Sir Bob Geldof's proposal to set up an Irish music television station; and, if so, when she communicated this decision to him; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2843/98]
I refer the Deputy to answers to previous questions on this matter in particular to Question Nos. 205 and 206 on 14 October 1997, and to Question No. 60 on 27 November 1997.
This matter turns on a request by Cablelink for an amendment to its cable television licence which would authorise carriage of the proposed music television service. I have no statutory function in the regulation of cable television systems. A decision on the proposal is now a matter for the Director of Telecommunications Regulation. I have written to the director indicating that, while I would not object to the Cablelink proposal, as she is now responsible for the regulation of cable television systems, a decision on the proposal is a matter for her office.
As indicated in my reply on 14 October 1997, I hope the channel can be established and that it will be a success.
