asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs when it is proposed to improve sound broadcasting to West Cork, as reception is poor in that area.

Improvement of the coverage of sound broadcasting service is now primarily a matter for Radio Éireann. I have already conveyed to the Authority my personal interest and the interest of this House in improving reception of Radio Éireann programmes in areas where it is poor. I understand that possible ways of effecting an improvement have been under consideration but it has not so far been practicable to work out a satisfactory solution.

Would it be practicable for the Minister to erect a booster station in County Cork in conjunction with the booster station which is being erected there for television purposes?

Piped television is the answer to the whole thing.

These are matters which require technical knowledge. The technical people in Radio Éireann will make a decision on that matter.

In view of the inability of Radio Éireann to remedy the defects, will the Minister agree to consider discountinuing the collection of wireless licences in the affected areas?

That is a separate question.