Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 73: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the proposed implementation of the Oireachtas channel and the film channel as set out in the Broadcasting Act 2008; the way these channels are to be financed; if they will be put out to tender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43343/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Part 7, Chapter 6 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 provides for the development of an Oireachtas Channel and a film channel. Part 8 of the Act provides for a right of carriage on the RTÉ digital terrestrial television multiplex in respect of these channels.

The Broadcasting Act 2009 provides that the Commission of the Houses of the Oireachtas may establish a public service channel to be made available throughout the island of Ireland providing coverage of: proceedings of both Houses of the Oireachtas; proceedings of a local authority; institutions under the British-Irish Agreement; other legislatures; and UN, EU and Council of Europe institutions.

The 2009 Act provides that the cost of such a channel would be met from the budget of the Commission of the Houses of the Oireachtas and that no advertising is permitted on the channel.

In relation to the Film Channel, the Act provides that the Irish Film Board may establish a public service channel to be made available throughout the island of Ireland providing coverage of Irish, European and World films including those in the Irish language.

The Act provides that the cost of such a channel would be met from the budget of the Irish Film Board. The Act also provides that the Irish Film Channel can broadcast advertisements.

The development of these channels is therefore a matter for the Irish Film Board and the Commission of the Houses of the Oireachtas respectively.

The establishment of a new Oireachtas channel could provide for extended free-to-air television coverage of the proceedings which take place in the Houses of the Oireachtas and in other democratic fora. The Programme for Government contains a commitment in this regard.

The Irish Film Channel can both add to the diversity of available public broadcasting services and provide a wide audience for the wealth of Irish and foreign films produced and in production.