Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 4 Oct 2000

Vol. 523 No. 2

Written Answers. - Television Broadcasting.

Liam Lawlor

Ceist:

189 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands her views on the implications of proposed EU regulations which could impose additional financial burdens on the shoulders of television viewers as a result of the reimbursement of cable companies for "must carry" obligations under national public policies regarding broadcasting; her further views on the fact that, together with prospective increases in licence fees and possible set-top decoder costs for future digital transmissions, the average television household could face significantly higher viewing costs; if she supports the direct compensation from the Exchequer of cable companies because of "must carry" obligations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20824/00]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera)

As I indicated in my reply to Question 90 earlier today, I am aware that RTE intends to make an application for an increase in the television licence fee. However, I have not received a formal application. When the application is made it will receive detailed and careful consideration.

The regulation of cable television systems is a matter for the office of the Director of Telecommunications Regulation. I have no function in their regulation or their funding. I have no function in the costs of set-top boxes for digital tele vision services supplied by the operators of the various digital platforms such as cable television, satellite or digital terrestrial television (DTT) when it is introduced here.