Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 400: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the implication for digital terrestrial television and the expected introduction by RTE of free to air digital television service, will have on community channels in the foreseeable future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16688/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The Broadcasting (Amendment) Act 2007 provides the legislative basis for the development of digital terrestrial television (DTT) services in Ireland. The Act tasks RTÉ with the requirement to roll-out a national free-to-air public service DTT multiplex to replace its current analogue terrestrial television service. This service will carry the existing RTÉ One, RTÉ Two, TV3 and TG4 channels and will have the potential to carry a further four public service television channels. The Act also provides that the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI) will offer licences for three commercial multiplexes. RTÉ has already significantly progressed roll-out of DTT, and the Broadcasting Bill currently before Dáil proposes national coverage by RTÉ by 2012.

In relation to DTT, there is no specific reservation of space on a multiplex for community channels. However, community channels could be provided on multiplexes licensed by the BCI.

With regard to carriage of community channels on other networks, section 37(10) of the Broadcasting Act 2001 empowers the BCI to require cable and MMD systems providers to carry community content contractors. Section 77(7) of the new Broadcasting Bill empowers the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland to decide the network or networks that should be used to carry community channels.