Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 97: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the extent to which he proposes to influence policy arising from the availability of digital television and the delivery of television via satellite; the way in which he proposes the industry should develop in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20012/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 189: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the extent to which he proposes to influence policy arising from the availability of digital television and the delivery of television via satellite; the way in which he proposes the industry should develop in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20316/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 97 and 189 together.

Ireland's primary television stations are available throughout the country on a range of platforms including terrestrial, cable and MMDS and satellite platforms. A migration to digital television is under way in most EU countries. I expect that all television broadcasting will eventually be on a digital basis. This will provide benefits to viewers including more channels and better quality pictures and sound.

Free-to-air digital terrestrial television is not yet available in Ireland. Over time, the analogue terrestrial network will have to be upgraded to a digital network. In this regard I have asked my Department to develop a digital terrestrial television pilot project this year. Digital cable and MMDS and digital satellite multi-channel services are currently available in Ireland on a subscription and pay-per-view basis.

The availability of an increasing number of television channels via digital satellite is having and will continue to have a major impact on the Irish broadcasting landscape. The fact that many of these channels are not subject to Irish regulation is also a factor.

A significant increase in the numbers of channels available to viewers does not necessarily mean that viewers will be offered a corresponding increase in the nature and range of the programming on offer. I am clear that in a digital era there will continue to be a central role for both RTE and private broadcasters in delivering high quality programming that is of interest and of relevance to Irish audiences.