asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism whether he is aware of the public concern that the merger of two remaining cable television companies in Dublin will result in the creation of a monopoly and lead to further reduction in the quality of services being offered; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I was in fact notified of the proposal concerned under the Mergers, Takeovers and Monopolies (Control) Act, 1978, and I decided at the time not to make an order under section 9 of the Act in relation to it.

I did, however, ask the Restrictive Practices Commission to carry out a study, over a period of two years into the operation of cable television systems in the greater Dublin area with particular reference to the implications for the common good and the interests of subscribers and to submit a report to me in the matter.