asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is aware of the very poor reception of RTE 2 in the Cashel area of County Tipperary; and the remedial steps he hopes to take to alleviate the problem.

RTE are aware that a problem exists with the RTE 2 service in some parts of Cashel. They plan to overcome the problem by carrying out a major modification to the Mount Leinster aerial system which will allow for the provision of a greatly improved signal in the area. This work is scheduled to begin next spring and is expected to be completed during the summer.

5.

asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the steps he intends to take to improve the reception of RTE 2 in the Nire Valley, County Waterford, which is a cause of grave concern and annoyance to the local community at present.

RTE say that a major survey will have to be carried out in South Tipperary before a precise approach to the reception difficulties in the Nire Valley can be determined. As part of their programme to improve service in small pockets of the country with poor television reception, they intend to erect a transmitter in South Tipperary which might benefit residents in the Nire Valley but no dates have been set for this development. RTE say that they will keep the local community informed as more information on their plans for the area becomes available.

Can the Minister indicate when these remedial steps are to be taken? The Minister said these steps might alleviate the problem. Surely the people of the Nire Valley have a right to expect more from RTE.

RTE say that a major survey must be carried out in the South Tipperary area before a precise approach to the reception difficulties can be determined. They are unable to forecast at this stage when reception will be improved but will keep the local community informed. The area does not qualify for priority attention because of the very low density population. RTE will keep the local community informed when they have established a plan to deal with the matter in the area.

Does the Minister think it is fair that the people in the Nire Valley should be expected to pay a full licence fee when they only get very intermittent reception?

RTE 1 is perfectly received by 98 per cent of the country. There is a small percentage — and it varies in spots — in different parts of the country who do not. Over 90 per cent of the country get RTE 2. RTE, as I have already said, are making arangements to try to improve the situation in the 2 per cent area in relation to RTE 1 and in the other percentage in relation to RTE 2. They will keep the community informed of their plans for the particular area.

Can the Minister indicate when the survey will be carried out?

I have not that information.

Will the Minister communicate with me?

I will.

Could the Minister indicate what became of the proposal which was announced about eight years ago that a transmitter would be erected on the Galtee mountains?

I am not aware of the proposal of eight years ago but I will inquire from RTE about it and communicate with the Deputy.