Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 91: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding arrangements agreed with RTE for the provision of RTE broadcasting in Great Britain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43640/08]

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 102: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on RTE's announcement that the promised diaspora channel is to be postponed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43621/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 91 and 102 together.

Section 3(1)(b) of the Broadcasting Act 2007 requires RTÉ to establish and maintain a television broadcasting service and a sound broadcasting service, which services shall be made available, in so far as the RTÉ Authority considers reasonably practicable, to Irish communities outside of the island of Ireland.

RTÉ has reviewed the potential for providing these services over different media, including via the Internet, over radio, over satellite and on the UK Freesat service.

RTÉ provides a radio service to Great Britain and Northern Ireland using the long wave radio service. In addition, RTÉ has improved its FM radio service near the border with Northern Ireland in order to improve reception of RTÉ 1 in the Belfast area. Radio coverage is also provided over satellite and over the internet.

In relation to the availability of television and radio over the internet, RTÉ has indicated a commitment to continue to enhance the activities and operations of RTÉ online and to provide both television and radio programming. RTÉ has also indicated that if resources permit, it proposes to enhance the service in the course of 2009 through the introduction of an i-player type service which will allow live access to a greater range of programming than is currently available through live streaming.

RTÉ has also committed to rolling out an International television service on the UK Freesat network. RTÉ had initially expected that this service would launch at the end of 2008. In September my Department was informed by RTÉ that, due to the rapidly worsening economic conditions and falling advertising revenue, they would need to postpone the launch of the RTÉ International television service by a year. I understand this is one of a number of measures taken by RTÉ in the current economic climate. My Department has written to RTÉ expressing disappointment at the decision while acknowledging the current economic climate.

RTÉ has highlighted that this decision may be reviewed if circumstances change significantly in the course of the year.