Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)

I move amendment No. 26:

In page 6, subsection (1), line 17, after "1960" to insert the following:

"and to ensure as far as practicable that Irish broadcasting services are readily accessible on the electronic programme guide".

Section 4 is central to the Bill in that it sets out the additional functions of the commission. The issue to which I wish to refer is that involving multiplexes. One of the matters that has arisen in discussions on the Bill is that relating to the electronic programming guide, EPG. Amendment No. 26 is designed to ensure that an additional function of the commission would be to ensure "that Irish broadcasting services are readily accessible on the electronic programming guide". The Minister and those who are members of the Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources will be aware that those involved with Channel 6 have raised this issue because the station has been assigned a position that is extremely low down on the electronic programming guide.

This is an important matter. I do not have a satellite or multichannel system in my house. I have little enough time available to me to spend it watching television. I am aware, however, of how the system relating to satellite channels works. Although the channel menu is extremely well set out and provides people with an idea of what is on and what will follow, the order in which the many channels appear on this menu is very important. Ireland is a small country and it is important our national stations should appear high up on the menu to facilitate Irish viewers. I accept an agreement is in existence between Sky and RTE to the effect that RTE 1, TV3, etc., are easily seen and accessible on the menu. However, those at Channel 6 are extremely agitated by the fact that the station is effectively invisible on the electronic programming guide that is available at present. I tabled this amendment to add to the list of responsibilities and duties of the BCI, when digital is rolled out and when the Irish DTT system is in place, that it should ensure Irish stations are easily accessible and seen on the electronic programming guide.

It is important for members of the community to have instant access to their preferred sources of information. It is also important that Irish channels appear high up on the electronic programming guide. After all, it is difficult enough to compete with the increasing number of channels that are becoming available. The control of the EPG is an important issue. That is why the commission should have a particular responsibility in this regard.

The amendment was framed in a way designed to keep matters straightforward and simple. I hope the Minister will note the use of the phrase "to ensure as far as practicable that Irish broadcasting services are readily accessible on the electronic programme guide". I hope, therefore, that it will be possible for him to accept the amendment.