Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 37: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on the analysis of RTÉ, that the process of digital switch over that has already begun in the UK will affect the television reception in Irish homes along the eastern seaboard by 2008 and along the border regions by 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26650/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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The UK has a schedule to switch off analogue TV in different regions from 2008 to 2012. In the development of a switchover plan, the Irish communications regulator will work closely with the UK to ensure the continued protection of analogue TV in Ireland. Notwithstanding, it should be noted that as the UK switch off analogue TV progresses, reception in Irish homes will be affected because Irish analogue TV viewers will no longer be able to receive UK channels. It is expected that viewers who have digital TV will continue to receive UK channels.

Currently, digital TV is available in Ireland over cable and satellite. A pilot to explore the possibilities for introducing digital terrestrial television is also being launched by my Department with a view to ensuring that Ireland's broadcasting services continue to compete with the rest of Europe in the future.