Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)

I move amendment No. 72:

In page 86, after line 52, to insert the following:

78.—(1) The Authority shall not conclude a satellite content contract with a person for the purpose of material being supplied for its transmission as a broadcasting service (intended for reception in the State) by means of a satellite device unless satisfied that recipients of the service will be in a position to receive by satellite device each free to air service provided by RTÉ, TG4 and the television service programme contractor as a basic programme service.

(2) This section applies to satellite content contracts whether concluded before or after the passing of this Act.

(3) In this section—

"basic programme service" means the programme material made available to persons by means of a satellite device at the lowest rate in any scale of charges that are made for the reception of such services by means of a satellite device;

"free to air services" includes such free to air services as are available at the date of passing of this Act.".

Some people who have had satellites fitted have found they cannot access the indigenous channels, namely, RTE1, RTE2, TV3 and TG4. This is a matter of concern for older people in particular who may avail of satellite packages because they offer good value. However, the reality is that people may not be able to access via satellite the channels they have paid for through their television licence. Having exercised their right to choose the means by which they receive their television service, they find they cannot receive the channels for which they have paid.

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