asked the Minister for Communications the progress made to date in developing an Irish satellite network.

In December 1986 the then Minister for Communications on behalf of the Government, gave a commitment to issue a licence to Atlantic Satellites Limited to provide an Irish satellite network which would utilise the five direct broadcasting by satellite frequency assignments and geostationary orbital position allocated to Ireland by international agreement. The licence would issue when the company has become irrevocably committed to construct and launch the satellite network. The original commitment to issue a licence expired at the end of 1987. Having considered the case made by the company I granted an extension of time, initially to the end of 1988 and again to the end of 1989, to allow the company to continue their marketing efforts. The company therefore are continuing in their efforts internationally to find users for the proposed satellite capacity but at this point in time no concrete proposals have emerged.

Could I ask the Minister if all five slots are being extended in this latest extension or has he thought to withdraw any of them?

It covers exactly what was covered by the original licence given in 1986 by the then Minister for Communications. All that has been done is the time has been extended. It will not cost anything.