Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour)
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Question 137: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the plans there are for waivers for persons on social welfare payments to upgrade their television equipment in order that they may receive the new Saorview service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14684/11]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Saorview is the new digital free-to-air service which RTÉ launched on 26 May 2011. The launch of Saorview forms an integral part of Ireland's national digital switchover strategy which provides for the closure of the RTÉNL analogue TV network at the end of 2012 and, through the resulting 'digital dividend', paves the way for the delivery of new jobs, new mobile and broadband services and new national economic growth.

I am keenly aware of the challenges this initiative brings, in particular for Irish households which are reliant on the analogue network. Each of these households will need to upgrade to digital TV by the end of 2012 or they will lose access to television.

Experience from other European countries indicates that the cost of set top boxes, for example, reduces as the date for digital switchover approaches, and there is increased competition in the market. I look forward to RTÉ and RTÉNL working intensively with manufacturers and retailers to ensure that there is a plentiful supply of simple to use, accessible and affordable set top boxes available on the market as well as a wide range of digital televisions and digital video recorders.

To overcome the challenges that digital switchover brings, we must also assist people with information and practical assistance to ensure that no one is left behind as Ireland goes digital.

For my part, as Minister, I have promised to deliver a substantial information campaign providing households with information on the digital switchover and on their options for going digital. This information campaign will start in October.

In conjunction with this, my Department is currently developing plans to ensure that a range of practical assistance is made available, in particular, to address the particular needs of vulnerable households as they prepare to go digital. In this context, the expertise and local knowledge of the many voluntary and charity organisations around the country will be of critical importance to ensuring the success of the switchover process. I have asked my Department to ensure that, to the greatest possible extent, these organisations play a major part in our information campaign.

I have no plans, however, to introduce waivers for persons on social welfare payments to upgrade their television equipment.