asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if, in view of the new transmission service commencing in January from the orbital satellite, he will state his attitude to any applications from private cable companies to receive the transmission from the satellite.

The transmissions in question which are experimental are not intended for general reception. My Department would not be prepared to license cable television operators to relay these transmissions.

I acknowledge that the transmission is a test one, but the company using the facility intend the transmission that they are using to be permanent. In view of that I would like the Minister of State to reply.

This point has already been put to the Department and the Minister has more control over it than I have. It is being considered. I do not have that information for the Deputy but I will pass it on to him as soon as I have it.