Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 131: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding digital terrestrial television; his views on whether preparations will be completed here for the switch-over in 2012; the cost of the switch-over; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4554/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The Broadcasting (Amendment) Act, 2007 provides for the development of digital terrestrial television (DTT) in Ireland. Under this Act, RTÉ is required to provide a DTT 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 DTT services.

RTÉ has started to build a DTT network in Ireland and has indicated that services will be launched on a phased basis starting in autumn 2009. It is expected that the first phase of DTT services will provide coverage of about 85% of the country. Information on the development of this network is available from RTÉ's website, www.rte.ie

The BCI is responsible for the development of commercial DTT services and is currently in contract negotiations with a company, Boxer (DTT) Limited, in this regard.

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.

TV viewers who wish to receive the DTT service will need to upgrade their television receiver equipment either by using a DTT set top box or by purchasing a digital television approved for use on the Irish DTT network. It is expected that the initial cost of a set top box will be in the region of €50-100.