Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)

To answer Senator Henry's query on the danger of overload, such matters will be controlled by the BCI. Obviously there are limits to the amount of spectrum that can be used. The technology allows four channels but it could be eight or 12 in the future, depending on developments in digitisation. We operate on the basis of four channels at the moment to ensure there is not the overspill about which the Senator spoke.

Senator Kenneally asked for clarification on the use of multiplexes for radio signals. The Bill is designed to allow radio or television but we were advised there could be some doubt over the wording so we have clarified the point that multiplex channels can be used for either.

We are learning about digital radio mondiale, digital audio broadcasting and so on. The specifications for DRM are technical. RTE is piloting a DAB scheme. It is believed that DAB would have greater quality and could provide more domestic services. DRM would deal mainly with lower quality stations from further afield. Nothing has been finalised, but the systems cannot be compared in terms of their relative spectral efficiencies because they have been designed for different parts of the radio spectrum. The spectrum allocation has been agreed internationally.

There will probably be more experimentation, pilot schemes and so on, but I am unsure as to the Senator's point on the effectiveness or efficiency of DRM as opposed to DAB. For domestic purposes, DAB is viewed as the appropriate system. I do not doubt that we will try to standardise specifications across Europe and that DRM will be considered in that context.