(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.