Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 99: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps he will take to ensure that the benefits of the digital dividend can be availed of here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4555/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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In the context of the transition from analogue to digital terrestrial television (DTT), I am preparing a policy framework for identifying the spectrum required for television broadcasting in the UHF band as well as identifying the spectrum that could be released for use by other services.

The policy framework will require ComReg to take appropriate actions, in conjunction with the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland and RTÉ, to identify what spectrum can be made available for the Digital Dividend and to advise me accordingly in a timely manner on what uses could be made of spectrum not required for Broadcasting in the band in order for me to make an informed assessment of the policy options for promoting various objectives.

The capacity of our spectrum resources to facilitate the development of existing and innovative applications and technologies in the information and communications sector is enormous and I intend ensuring that the full potential of the digital dividend will be realised for the national good.