Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 113: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his Department's readiness for the digital terrestrial television switch over; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10581/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) is progressing on a number of fronts. The 2007 Broadcasting (Amendment) Act introduces a framework for the licensing of DTT in Ireland and assigns responsibilities to ComReg, RTE and the BCI. ComReg is responsible for ensuring there is sufficient spectrum for DTT broadcasting. RTE is responsible for developing a national DTT service with capacity for RTE, TG4 and TV3 as a matter of priority. The BCI is responsible for the development of commercial DTT services and is presently holding a competition to award contracts to commercial broadcasters.

My Department has made it clear to all stakeholders involved in the development of Digital Terrestrial Television that 2012 is the date by which switch-over from the analogue to digital terrestrial services should be achieved. ComReg, RTE and the BCI are aware that they each have a role to play in providing for this. The BCI process is due to be finalised during the summer and at this time there will be additional clarity around the development of both national and commercial DTT services.