David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 120: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his progress to date on the national roll-out of digital terrestrial television; when the roll-out will commence; the timescale for completion of the roll-out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20764/06]

John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 166: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the progress to date in the provision of digital television; if he has in mind specific targets in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20750/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 120 and 166 together.

The rollout of infrastructure for the Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) Pilot in Ireland is currently underway. Following detailed procurement processes, the DTT pilot is currently in the build phase and is expected to be operational by autumn 2006. It is planned to continue the pilot over a two-year timeframe, during which time broadcasts will transmit from the Three Rock site in Dublin and the Clermont Carn site in County Louth.

The pilot project will bring further momentum to the transition to digital terrestrial broadcasting and create an opportunity to test and trial various aspects of the service. The aim of the pilot is also to generate awareness and discussion among interested parties in a full national roll-out of digital terrestrial television. As proposals are developed for a national rollout of digital terrestrial television the question of possible analogue switch-off dates will be considered.