Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)

I move amendment No. 46:

In page 12, subsection (2), between lines 43 and 44, to insert the following:

"(d) the principal British television broadcasting services which are free to air as of the enactment of this Act.".

Reference has already been made to this issue in the context of previous amendments. It pertains to the question arising from the fact that at present, British television stations and services are available free to air to a substantial part of Ireland. The figure for the number of households that receive British broadcasting services at present due to what is known as the spill-over on the analogue service varies and may be open to dispute. However, the fact remains that a substantial proportion of Ireland receives the British channels free to air at present and has done so for many years.

Earlier, the Minister stated that the first multiplex roll-out would maintain the Irish stations on a free to air basis. This has always been my understanding and is as it should be. However, like me the Minister is a politician and I am sure he is aware that in the past, this issue has been contentious. I refer to the deflector issue. People have been receiving additional services and this issue could become contentious when the analogue service is switched off and its digital replacement is introduced. I doubt whether many people are aware at present that in future, they will be obliged to pay for something that is now free. Members are aware of what people are like when it comes to such matters.

While I recognise the Minister's remarks in respect of copyright and so on, an opportunity is available to make what is currently available on the east coast available on a nationwide basis. Previously, the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources stated three multiplexes are planned and in their roll-out, the British services available free-to-air on the east coast will become free to air in the rest of the country. I accept issues may arise and the reason I tabled the amendment is to tease out this important matter and hear the Minister of State's response.