asked the Minister for Communications the reason for the delay in licensing the micro-wave multi-channel television distribution system; when he proposes to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The matter is receiving attention and I will make a decision on it in due course.

I seem to have received a similar reply to a similar question some time ago. Could the Minister be more specific and tell us when he would hope to license this system?

The situation is receiving attention. It is being examined and I will be taking a decision on it shortly.

Would that be a matter of weeks or months?

Shortly.

It is causing considerable annoyance in those areas which do not have multi-channel.

I accept that fully.