asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is aware of the poor television reception in the Shankill area, County Dublin, and the continuous breakdowns in service; if his Department will allow RTE Relays to use the ducting between Leopardstown and Shankill; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

RTE say that the general quality of reception on the cable system in the Shankill area is good but because it is served by a long trunk cable, it is subject to breakdowns through failure of amplifiers.

RTE have been advised that, on a purely exceptional basis, I am prepared to allow RTE Relays to use departmental ducts for the cable serving the Shankill system, subject to certain conditions. RTE expect that use of this duct would enable a considerable reduction to be made in the number of amplifiers and thereby increase the reliability of the system.

(Dublin Central): Can the Minister indicate when this improvement will take place?

At this stage I cannot, but there will be no avoidable delay on the Department's side and I believe the same can be said for RTE.