Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Question 163: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position in regard to the availability of digital television throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2027/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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Digital television is available in Ireland across a number of platforms. Both cable-MMDS operators and satellite operators provide subscription digital television services to an estimated 42% of Irish television households.

It is estimated that 27% of households receive analogue cable-MMDS services and 31% of households avail of analogue terrestrial services as their sole means of receiving television broadcasts. It is also estimated that up to 90% of households receive analogue terrestrial transmissions on at least one television.

Analogue terrestrial television services are provided on a free-to-air basis. Over time it is expected that analogue terrestrial services will migrate to digital terrestrial television, DTT, services. I am committed to the long-term provision of a free-to-air DTT service in Ireland. My Department is currently developing a DTT pilot which will begin this year. During the DTT pilot phase proposals for a national DTT rollout will be developed.