Telecoms regulator, Ms Etain Doyle, has issued regulations that extend deflector licences beyond December 31st, 2001.

Deflector licences are held by several private firms that supply multichannel television to local communities in parts of the west and south of the Republic.

The licences are a source of controversy, with national licensees such as Chorus arguing they break the terms of exclusivity within their own licence conditions. A legal case against the Government is pending.

Initially it was proposed that the deflector licences would not be extended beyond 2001. However, Ms Doyle said the extension was appropriate because of the delay to the proposed digital terrestrial television service.

Under amended regulations Ms Doyle may extend the licences no later than December 31st, 2003, and extension will be subject to the non-availability of digital television.