asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is aware of any firm in the Dublin area illegally operating a cable-vision service; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

, Dublin South-Central): The answer to the first part of the question is “no”. My Department would take appropriate action in any case in which there was reasonable ground for believing that a cable-vision service was being operated illegally.

I should like to ask the Minister if there are any micro-wave-assisted cable operations in Dublin city?

(Dublin South-Central): Not to the knowledge of my Department.

The Department are not too aware of what is going on.

(Dublin South-Central): If the Deputy would give me information——

I have no intention of being an informer on the matter but it is so evident that it could not but be seen.

20.

asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will make a statement on the recent action taken by his Department against the installations of a company (details supplied) in Waterford.

(Dublin South-Central): This company had been providing a multichannel cable television service in Waterford city for a number of years in accordance with the terms of a licence issued by my Department. However, my Department have reason to believe that in recent months it was using unlicensed wireless telegraphy apparatus in contravention of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1926. Equipment was seized on 26 January 1979 on foot of a search warrant issued under section 8 of that Act. Legal proceedings are being instituted and in these circumstances I consider it inappropriate to comment further on the matter at this stage.

Is the Minister aware that the company are complying with the regulations of the Act at present? Is he aware that they are laying the necessary cable? In view of that will the Minister withdraw the proceedings he mentioned?

(Dublin South-Central): The Department are only carrying out the law and I am sure the Deputy will not criticise them for doing that.

Will the Minister withdraw the proceedings in view of the fact that the required work is being carried out?

(Dublin South-Central): I understand they have started work but I am not in a position to withdraw the proceedings. An offence has been committed and the law must take its course.