Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 66: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the target date for the switch off of analogue television broadcast services. [10158/10]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 89: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the persons who are on the group set up to advise him on analogue switch off; when the recommendations will be completed; if the recommendations will be published in the public domain; if there is a cost involved in setting up this group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10143/10]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 66 and 89 together.

Part 8 of the Broadcasting Act, 2009 provides for, amongst other things, the closure of the national analogue TV network.

My stated policy objective on this is that the earliest possible switch-off of the analogue system needs to be achieved thereby releasing valuable spectrum to enable Ireland to reap the benefits of the digital dividend.

The European Commission has set 2012 as the timeline for analogue switch off throughout Europe and the EU Council of Ministers has asked Member States to, as far as possible, complete the switchover in 2012.

As previously announced my objective is that this should take place in Ireland no later than quarter 4 of 2012.

The group I have established to advise me on planning for analogue switch off and related matters is chaired by the Head of the Broadcasting Policy Division in my Department. The Group includes representatives of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI), ComReg, RTE and my Department. Representation on the Group is a matter for the individual organisations and can vary from meeting to meeting. I expect to receive the group's report shortly and I will publish it when I have concluded my consideration of it. There was no cost involved in setting up the group.