Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

A percentage of the 200,000 people may have already upgraded to a Saorview box. As with all processes that go down to the wire, there is a percentage of people, particularly elderly people living on their own, who will be left behind. These are people with little access to facilities of the State or interaction with their communities. I know individuals have been contacted by Meals on Wheels or home help, and such people would almost be in fear of another gadget sitting on top of the television. They might think it would monitor their every move. The vast majority of people have Sky boxes, etc., and most people will have switched over quite willingly because of the advertising campaigns. There will be a percentage of people who will not get the Saorview signal after 24 October. There will be another cohort who will have installed a Saorview box but because of their location will not be able to get a signal.

They are looking at alternatives and some have been advised that it might not be possible. The local communities have become involved. They have bought into it and have put in huge work on getting people connected, but there is a percentage of people outstanding. The Minister has clearly indicated there is no plan B. I am not sure, bar some form of divine inspiration, that we can get to some sectors and to the people who have problems due to mountain ranges and so forth. There needs to be further awareness raising, perhaps through An Post. These people are predominantly elderly so perhaps there could be a way through social welfare to communicate with them. A mighty effort is required.

What is being spent on the overall scheme in terms of advertising? There was a huge advertising campaign dating back to this time last year. The most effective piece of advertising I saw was the leaflet that was sent to each house. It was a direct hit where elderly people are concerned because they read through their post. Much of the time they do not buy into the advertising on television because they do not have a notion about it. What has been spent on it? As we approach 24 October, what contingency measures are there, if any, to target the remaining people who have not been connected? These are the people who will hit the headlines because they will be branded as being isolated and so forth. What does the Minister have in mind or what has he targeted?