Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 35: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his policy in regard to the future of broadcasting here with particular reference to independent broadcasting, the national broadcasting services, terrestrial television and digital television; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20063/05]

Shane McEntee (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 38: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his preferred options in regard to the development of the broadcasting industry here with particular reference to independent broadcasting, satellite and terrestrial television; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20009/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 186: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his preferred options in regard to the development of the broadcasting industry here with particular reference to independent broadcasting, satellite and terrestrial television; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20313/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 219: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his policy in regard to the future of broadcasting here with particular reference to independent broadcasting, the national broadcasting services, terrestrial television and digital television; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20352/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos 35, 38, 186 and 219 together.

My core policy objectives for the development of the broadcasting sector are detailed in my Department's Statement of Strategy, 2003-2005. These objectives are: to create an environment that encourages the maintenance of high quality Irish radio and television services by both independent broadcasters and RTE; to secure a viable future for high quality public service broadcasting; and to seek to retain access to a range of high quality programming in analogue and digital form on a universal and free-to-air basis.

My key priorities for achieving these objectives include the following: developing the regulatory framework by bringing forward a Bill to provide for the establishment of a single content regulator for both public and private broadcasters and to establish RTE on the lines of a company under the Companies Acts; taking steps to establish TG4 as an independent entity; ensuring adequate public funding for RTE and TG4 so that they can deliver on their statutory mandate; building on progress made in maximising the effectiveness of television licence fee collection; developing proposals to ensure that in a digital era Irish viewers continue to enjoy access to a range of high quality programming; and bringing forward proposals for the future licensing of radio services in Ireland.

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.

In time all broadcasting platforms will move to a digital basis. Digital television services are available in Ireland through a number of cable and satellite networks. 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.

Ireland's terrestrial network is currently an analogue network. I expect that the terrestrial network will be updated to digital in time, and in this context I am currently developing a digital terrestrial television pilot.