Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 344: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he received a feasibility plan for a UN world television channel network, Eirde, and proposals to locate the project in Dublin; the situation regarding same; if his Department has responded to the proposer of the film; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8775/07]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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In 2003 and again in February 2005 my Department helped to facilitate a meeting between the UN Department of Public Information (UNDPI) and individuals interested in developing a television channel for Europe, based on content related to the United Nations. My Department had no direct role in this proposal. The purpose of these meetings was to secure high level access in the UN system for the promoters of the project, and to address issues relating to the negative response of UNDPI to a feasibility study undertaken by the promoters.

Subsequently, in May 2005, our Permanent Representative to the United Nations was advised by the promoters of the initiative that issues relating to the establishment of the channel were still unresolved. We have had no further contact from the promoters, or from UNDPI.