asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is aware that radio reception in North West Donegal, particularly in the Rosses area, after 6 p.m. is merely ten per cent; and, if so, if he will take immediate steps to have the matter remedied.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Radio Reception in County Donegal.
65.
I am aware that the reception of the Radio Éireann sound programmes is not satisfactory in the area mentioned by the Deputy and in many other areas. As already announced the Broadcasting Authority is providing a national VHF service to deal with the problem, and the necessary equipment is on order.
Will the Minister say when he hopes to get around to Donegal with it?
It is a matter for the Authority.
A prod from the Minister might help.
They have got the "go ahead" from us to purchase this equipment and it is on order. I am unable to say when they will complete the operation.
The position appears to be that a number of continental stations are cutting in on Radio Éireann in this pocket and the only solution seems to be to have something done to get the wavelength changed.
That is a different matter.
The Minister is collecting the licence fee from these people. Therefore, it is his duty to see that they at least get reception, so that they will know, if they do not see it often enough on television, what Ministers are doing, what functions they are attending and when they are at home and not abroad.
We are taking the only steps open to us and I am advised by the Authority and other experts that this is the method by which good reception of sound broadcasting can be assured.
Will you suspend the collection of licence fees until they get proper reception of sound broadcasts?
We will not.
You will not.