(Dublin Central) asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the estimated number of viewers living in Northern Ireland who can obtain effective RTE reception.

I understand that 14 per cent of the population of Northern Ireland live in areas where RTE television programmes can be received satisfactorily with a relatively simple outdoor aerial. On high ground elsewhere, reception similar to that received in Dublin from BBC and UTV can be obtained if high-gain fringe type aerials are used.

(Dublin Central): Has the Minister any proposals to extend the viewing to Northern Ireland?

As the Deputy is aware, we would all like to extend the viewing. I am in fairly constant touch on the question but my impression is that the present time is not one in which we are likely to make much concrete progress.

(Dublin Central): Would the Minister agree that it would be desirable for a closer relationship between BBC programmes originating in Northern Ireland and RTE? Does he agree that we could have an exchange of programmes that might lead to greater harmony?

I favour that and it is my belief that the RTE Authority also favour it. I am glad to see that the Deputy supports such a concept and I welcome that support.

Will the Minister state if he is prohibited by an international agreement from broadcasting in the Six Counties?

The Minister would be prohibited by international agreement from increasing the strength of our signal here, if it were being done deliberately to send in a signal to another territory, without the consent of the recipients. This arose under the previous Government and they received a negative answer on the matter.

What about an extra booster?

That was what received a negative answer.