Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 1503: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will ensure that householders who have free-to-air satellites installed and who pay their television licences can access RTE 1 and RTE 2 channels without charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29686/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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RTÉ1 and RTÉ2 are not available free to air on satellite. RTÉ1 and RTÉ2 are available free to air on a terrestrial platform throughout Ireland and can be accessed through a roof top aerial or, in some areas, through a set top aerial, free of charge. RTÉ's terrestrial network has been in operation since the 1960's and is currently being upgraded to digital technology. RTÉ1 and RTÉ2 will continue to be available free to air when the network has been upgraded to digital technology.

Legislation also provides for RTÉ1 and RTÉ2 to be carried over cable and digital Multipoint Microwave Distribution System (MMDS) networks. Cable and MMDS networks are regulated in Ireland and provide services within Ireland only.

RTÉ is carried by the Sky satellite service within Ireland. Sky encrypts the RTÉ service so that it cannot be received in other countries and charges a fee as part of the overall satellite package to Irish subscribers for accessing the RTÉ service. Sky is a commercial company and is not regulated in Ireland. I have no role in relation to the fees set by satellite providers including where these fees cover access to RTÉ1 and RTÉ2.