Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 373: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason for his failure to ensure a contract to deliver digital terrestrial television; when that contract is to be signed; if he will commit to ensure free-to-air BBC coverage for the Republic of Ireland and RTE services for coverage in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11175/10]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The Broadcasting Act, 2009 requires the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI), an independent regulatory authority, to provide for the development of commercial digital terrestrial television (DTT) services. On foot of this requirement, the BAI's predecessor, the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland, launched a competition, which is still ongoing. As the Deputy is aware, the highest placed consortium in the competition withdrew from the process last April. Negotiations then commenced with the next placed bidder, OneVision and this process is continuing. As I stated recently in response to previous questions on this issue, I am not prepared to speculate on the outcome of the commercial DTT process, which is a matter for the BAI. Nor am I prepared to surmise on the ongoing negotiations between the BAI, RTÉ and the OneVision consortium. I have, however, made it clear that I would like to see this process concluded as soon as possible. The conclusion of the process is essential to provide certainty for broadcasters, suppliers and the general public with regard to the development of commercial DTT services in Ireland.

Under section 129 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 RTÉ is required to ensure that 'free-to-air' DTT is available to approximately 90% of the population on such date as may be specified by the Minister. I signed an Order last week specifying this date as 31 October 2010. The Act also requires RTÉ to provide a national 'free to air' digital service with capacity to carry RTÉ 1, RTÉ 2, TG4 and TV3 by the end of 2011 or such later date as I may specify. I have written to RTÉ informing them that the date for provision of a national service is 31 December 2011. On 1 February last, I signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Digital Television with the UK. This commits both Governments to cooperating to help ensure the continuing widespread availability on the DTT platform of TG4 in Northern Ireland and that arrangements are made to facilitate the widespread availability on the DTT platforms of RTÉ services in Northern Ireland and BBC services in the Republic. Any such arrangements in respect of BBC services here will be a matter for the BBC in the first instance.