Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

Senator O'Meara, who has moved amendment No. 2, is concerned about the reduction in the overspill of UK analogue services from 2008. The decision to switch off UK analogue services in that year has been made by the authorities in that country — it is not within the control of the Irish authorities. Irish television viewers, who have benefited from the overspill of UK television services in the past, do not have an automatic entitlement to that overspill, which results accidentally from the analogue transmission process. UK television services are available in a number of ways to Irish viewers, who can avail of cable, satellite and MMDS services. A limited amount of UK digital overspill may be available in the future to Irish viewers in Border areas. A number of UK channels may be received by some Irish viewers as a result of overspill from UK satellite services. As the provision of UK television services in Ireland is subject to commercial and legal implications, UK channel providers can make decisions on service provision in Ireland, whether free-to-air or as part of a commercial offering on cable, satellite, MMDS and, in future, on the digital terrestrial platform.

This Bill seeks to put in place a framework which will create opportunities for the establishment of a number of multiplexes. It is likely that the mainstream UK channels will be offered on at least one of these multiplexes. While I recognise Senator O'Meara's concerns about the availability of UK broadcasting services to Irish households, my primary aim is to create a legislative framework for this country's broadcasting services. Therefore, I cannot accept the proposed amendment. This Bill will not end the overspill of UK services — that is the subject of a decision being taken in that jurisdiction. We cannot force the UK channels onto Irish digital terrestrial television. We can create such an opportunity, however, which is what we are doing.

Senator Mooney spoke about TG4, which is available in Northern Ireland for cultural reasons, as he said. I empathise with his proposal that BBC Northern Ireland be made available here. I understand that such a decision could come about only on foot of a major change of the BBC charter. I do not think any such change is planned at present. Given that Senator Mooney intends to raise this matter at a higher level, I am sure it will be discussed further.