Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 227: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if it is intended that digital television will be free to air; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26698/06]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 228: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the schedule for the provision of digital television; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26699/06]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 247: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the degree to which digital television is expected to become available in early date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26724/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 227, 228 and 247 together.

The digital terrestrial television (DTT) pilot programme is currently being implemented by my Department. The purpose of the pilot is to bring further momentum to the transition to digital terrestrial broadcasting and to test and trial various aspects of the service.

Detailed procurement processes, inviting expressions of interest and tenders for various aspects of the infrastructure build programme, were recently completed by my Department. The infrastructure for the DTT pilot is now in the roll-out phase and is expected to be operational by autumn 2006.

The initial transmission sites are at Clermont Carn in the northeast and Three Rock covering parts of the Dublin region. The trial is planned to continue over a two-year timeframe and will provide the opportunity for technical and user testing of both existing and new broadcast services.

The DTT pilot project currently under way demonstrates my commitment to the long-term provision of DTT in Ireland. I expect that the pilot will generate awareness and discussion among broadcasters, investors and other interested parties with a view to moving towards a full national rollout of DTT in time.