John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 88: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress made to date in the establishment of a digital terrestrial television transmission system; when he expects DTT broadcasting to begin; the plans he has in place to deal with the extra expense that will have to be incurred by people to buy receiving equipment in order to continue to receive free-to-air channels after switch-off; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14801/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Broadcasting (Amendment) Act, 2007 provides for the development of digital terrestrial television in Ireland. Under this Act, RTÉ is required to provide a digital terrestrial television system with capacity to carry RTÉ, TG4 and TV3. The legislation also requires the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI) to seek commercial applicants who are interested in providing commercial digital terrestrial television services. In this regard both RTÉ and the BCI are progressing and I expect that digital terrestrial television services should be available in Ireland from 2009.

I am confident that Ireland can meet the target EU analogue switch-off date of 2012. In the meantime, TV services will be simulcast on both analogue and digital networks so that viewers may choose to switch or to remain on analogue during that period. I consider that the digital terrestrial television services which will be made available in Ireland prior to that date will be attractive for the general public. Whilst there will be some cost in accessing digital television services for those who currently only have access to analogue, I do not anticipate that this will be excessive in the context of the services offered. I will, however, keep the matter under ongoing review, including, in conjunction with my colleague the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, in relation to those persons who are currently entitled to free television licences.