Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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The Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, recently published a consultation document entitled Forward-Looking Strategic Review of the Irish Telecoms Sector. The consultation document is presented in two parts, the first looks at establishing a regulatory strategy for the telecommunications sector from 2005 to 2010 and the second part focuses on key emerging trends. It sets out a number of possible scenarios for the Irish telecoms sector, one of which includes the vertical separation of Eircom in the interest of competition.

ComReg is independent in the exercise of its functions and it would not be appropriate for me to comment in detail on this matter. However, I note that in general, ComReg is optimistic about the Irish telecoms sector. It cites high GDP per capita, low unemployment, an educated workforce and a relatively young population as key positive factors for growth in the sector.

Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 26: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will make a statement on the pilot digital television project for the Dublin region and on his plans for the timing of the analogue television switch-off; and if his Department plans to become active in publicising the end of the analogue service and the arrival of the digital network. [14393/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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Digital television is already available in Ireland. Both cable-MMDS operators and satellite operators provide subscription digital television services. Free to air analogue television services are provided on a terrestrial basis. Over time it is expected that analogue terrestrial services will migrate to digital terrestrial services in most countries. This migration is already happening on a significant scale in a number of European countries.

I have proposed that a digital terrestrial television pilot programme be developed in Ireland. The purpose of the pilot is to bring further momentum to the transition to digital terrestrial broadcasting and to test and trial various aspects of the service. I have asked my Department to set out how the pilot may be implemented, and to prepare appropriate processes to develop the pilot. I expect that the pilot will be developed this year and that it will become operational in 2006.

Free to air analogue terrestrial transmissions will continue for a period after the national rollout of digital terrestrial television has begun. At a certain point analogue transmissions will be turned off and the full switch-over will then be complete. While the pilot is underway, I intend to hold comprehensive discussions with all relevant stakeholders around the timing of analogue switch-off. When decisions have been taken about the nature and timing of analogue switch-off, it will be necessary to ensure that Irish viewers are fully informed of all the issues arising, such as issues around reception equipment replacement. All stakeholders will have a role in informing viewers of the likely changes.