Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 101: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the provision of commercial digital terrestrial television here; the further position regarding the ongoing negotiation between the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland and a consortium (details supplied); the timescale for the roll out of a free to air digital terrestrial television service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3384/10]

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 107: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding digital terrestrial television; when the contract for DTT with a consortium (details supplied) will be finalised; his views on reports that companies have reduced their stake in that consortium; the amount spent on DTT by RTÉ to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3412/10]

Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 126: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the implications for the digital dividend in the event of a collapse of digital terrestrial television contractual negotiations here; the outcome of a digital dividend; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3422/10]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 101, 107 and 126 together.

Part 8 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 provides for the development of digital terrestrial television (DTT) in Ireland and for the closure of the national analogue TV network.

This Act requires RTÉ to provide a national 'free to air' digital service with capacity to carry RTÉ 1, RTE 2, TG4 and TV3 by the end of 2011 or such later date as I may specify. The RTÉ 'free to air' digital service is to replace the existing analogue terrestrial television service and I wish to make it clear, at this stage, that it is my intention that the date stipulated in the Broadcasting Act for the 'free to air' DTT launch should be met.

In addition, the 2009 Act requires the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI), an independent regulatory authority, to provide for the development of commercial digital terrestrial television services.

On foot of this requirement, the BAI's predecessor, the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI), launched a competition, which is still ongoing. As the Deputy is aware, the highest placed consortium in the competition withdrew from the process last April. Negotiations then commenced with the next placed bidder and this process is continuing.

As I stated recently in response to a previous question on this issue, I am not prepared to speculate on the outcome of the commercial DTT process, which is a matter for the BAI and one in which I have no role. Nor am I prepared to surmise on the ongoing negotiations between the BAI, RTÉ and the OneVision consortium. I have, however, made clear my view that I would like to see this process concluded as soon as possible.

The conclusion of the process is essential to provide certainty for broadcasters, suppliers and the general public with regard to the development of commercial DTT services in Ireland.

In relation to the rollout of DTT services, I am informed by RTÉ that, to date, 13 sites have been upgraded to accommodate the single 'free to air' DTT multiplex and also three commercial DTT multiplexes.

I have been informed that the capital expenditure undertaken by RTÉ on DTT to date, is estimated at €31.5m.

Under section 129 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 RTÉ is required to ensure that 'free-to-air' DTT is available to 90% of the population on such date as may be specified by the Minister. RTÉ has indicated a preference for launching 'free-to-air' DTT in parallel with a commercial DTT operator as RTÉ believes that the availability of commercial DTT is important to assist it in getting a return on its investment and to ensure adequate viewer choice in the digital era. However, a commercial DTT service, while offering more choice to the viewer, is not an essential element in providing for analogue switch off.

As I have previously stated, my policy objective is the earliest possible switch-off of the analogue TV system operated by RTÉNL and it is my intention that this will be no later that quarter four 2012.

In this regard, I have established a group to advise me on planning for analogue switch-off and related matters.

The Analogue Switch-off Group includes representatives of the BAI, ComReg, RTÉ and my own Department. I expect to be presented with the group's recommendations within the coming weeks and when I have considered them I will announce the precise dates for the availability of 'free-to-air' DTT and analogue switch-off.

The timely switch-off of analogue broadcast services will release valuable spectrum and will position Ireland to maximise the benefits of the resulting digital dividend.