Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

This is the third or fourth time we have discussed this issue. The Minister, Deputy Ryan, will know that I and many others have real concern that we will not be able to make the 2012 deadline for analogue switch off, which will have significant consequences. I understand - the Minister can correct me if I am wrong - that the new BAI met to discuss the DTT issue yesterday. There are ongoing negotiations between RTE and the OneVision consortium, which is now the proposed provider of commercial DTT services on the multiplexes which are there for that.

I asked the Minister, Deputy Ryan, a question several months ago and wish to ask it again. Will he set a deadline for those negotiations to be finalised so we all know the status of DTT regarding RTE, which has responsibility for and is required to provide free-to-air DTT services which, I understand, will be called Saorview? There are significant financial consequences for RTE because of the commitments which have to be made to put the infrastructure in place. Should OneVision go the route of Boxer we will be left holding the baby. The Minister will be responsible even though he seems to refuse to be part of the process at this stage.

As the person responsible from a policy perspective, will the Minister set a deadline for RTE and OneVision to conclude their negotiations so we and the Minister, who is the policy maker in this area, know where the country stands, in terms of the provision of commercial DTT which is a requirement for the provision of a viable free-to-air DTT service?

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