Damien English (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 119: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his preferences in respect of the future of the public and private broadcasting sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3661/05]

Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 134: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans for the development of broadcasting services, with particular reference to both the public and private sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3662/05]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 136: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his preferred options in respect of the most desirable role to be played by both the public and private broadcasting sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3660/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 311: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his preferred options in respect of the most desirable role to be played by both the public and private broadcasting sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3977/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 312: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his preferences in respect of the future of the public and private broadcasting sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3978/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 313: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans for the development of broadcasting services with particular reference to both the public and private sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3979/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 119, 134, 136 and 311 to 313, inclusive, together.

I refer to my reply to Question No. 137 on 21 October 2004. I am of the opinion that Irish viewers will be best served by a broadcasting environment that includes a strong public service broadcasting presence in the form of RTE and an independent TG4, together with private broadcasters. Digital television offers opportunities for Irish viewers to avail of an increased number of broadcasting services, including new services of particular relevance or interest to Irish audiences. An indication of this is the fact that the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland has licensed a number of new television services in recent months.