Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 1560: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress made in establishing an Irish film channel. [33119/10]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 1561: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if it is still intended to establish an Oireachtas television channel. [33120/10]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1560 and 1561 together.

The Broadcasting Act 2009 provides for the development of an Oireachtas Channel and an Irish Film Channel, including a right of carriage on the RTÉ digital terrestrial television multiplex in respect of these channels. In accordance with section 125 of the Act, 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, section 127 of 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.

My Department will continue working with the Irish Film Board, the Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport and with the Houses of the Oireachtas to see how the film and Oireachtas channels can be delivered.