(Dublin Central) asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs when he expects RTE 2 to become operational.

RTE have been planning on the basis that RTE 2 would become operational by the end of 1977. My Department received recently from RTE a comprehensive financial statement containing particulars of the licence fees and capital they estimate would be needed over the next few years for the existing services and to provide a second television service. A detailed study of this statement is being made in consultation with RTE. When this study has been completed the matters at issue will have to be considered in the light of the general economic situation. Meanwhile, I am sorry that I cannot say when RTE 2 is likely to come on the air.

It was stated that RTE 2 would become operational in October, 1977. Could the Minister give any reason why that date is postponed?

What I said in March, 1976, was based on the best information available to me at that time. In the meantime the more detailed financial projections referred to in my reply to the Deputy's question have been received from RTE. Until there has been an opportunity to complete the in-depth study of these financial projections, I am not in a position to say whether or not RTE 2 is likely to be in operation by the end of 1977.

Could the Minister indicate what information he received from the authority about the total cost of implementation in regard to equipment?

I do not wish to appear unhelpful, but I am afraid it might be misleading to quote figures at this stage. The RTE projections are in the nature of a complex package, and these are based on certain assumptions about development of existing services, introduction of RTE 2, revision of past accounting practices, which if introduced would involve a substantial extra charge on current income and so on. Until decisions can be reached on these matters I would prefer not to quote any figures to the House.

Do I take it that RTE are in a position to make the service operational in 1977 if the proper financial requirements are provided by the Minister, and do I further take it that implementation of the service is being put on the long finger?

Technically it would be feasible on certain financial assumptions, but as I have indicated in my reply to the Deputy, these financial assumptions and projections which we have received from RTE require further study, and until that study has been completed I am not in a position to satisfy the Deputy fully on this matter.

When does the Minister think he will be in a position, having had these studies carried out?

I would hope to be in a position to make a statement certainly before the end of the year.