Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)

We are all largely ad idem on this issue. In regard to maximising the reach of RTE television, it would be good if there were co-operation in both directions, east-west and North-South, in terms of common channels and so on. This Bill facilitates such developments by providing a framework under which they are attainable not merely for two thirds of the Republic or one third of the North but on an all-island basis. This is something we will examine. I have no doubt from discussions I have had with various people that this is not far from the minds of those who are talking in terms of trying to put together multiplexes. They will avail of this legislation into the future and will utilise a multiplex on the DTT framework.

I assure the Senator that I am not dismissing the point he is making. In regard to the BBC charter, there may be something specific that prohibits the wider availability of its services on a free-to-air basis, just as the legislation prohibited RTE in this regard. It is not the main hurdle we must overcome, however, and where there is a will there is a way.

Senator Finucane asked about the fact that I used the word "commercial" on several occasions in reference to DTT services. The provision of broadcasting services on a DTT platform is a commercial enterprise. One of the multiplexes will be free-to-air and will include RTE and the other terrestrial Irish channels. All other services, however, will be commercial. Senator Finucane asked specifically about the effects of the DTT platform on other commercial providers. The answer is that it will represent competition for them. I cannot answer how effective the competition will be or who will win the battle. Commercial operators will make decisions on the basis of whether they believe they will get a return. They will have to vie for their place in the market.

DTT is something that is mandated. The reason the EU is so keen for analogue switch-off by 2012 at the latest is all to do with having spectrum available for an entire range of services other than television broadcasting, including telecommunications, emergency services and so on. I take the view that we should not be totally dependent on the private sector and that public infrastructure should be in place that allows us to provide public service broadcasting on a DTT platform. Some of the commercial interests may not be best pleased about this, but it is in the national interest that we ensure this is the case. That is why the Government, with the agreement of all sides in both Houses, brought this section of the Bill forward. We must take action in this regard sooner rather than later. These developments will create additional competition for existing providers but they are absolutely necessary in the national interest.