Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 216: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the national digital switchover; when the national information campaign will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21767/11]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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A Digital Switchover Steering Group (DSG) has been established to plan, coordinate and deliver switchover from analogue terrestrial TV to digital TV in Ireland by the end of 2012. The Group is chaired by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (DCENR) and comprises members from DCENR, RTÉ, RTÉNL, TV3, TG4, Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) and ComReg.

The Group has developed a digital switchover programme to ensure TV viewers are given the options, information and advice to switch from the analogue terrestrial TV network to a digital TV network or pay TV service, by the date of closure of the analogue TV network in Q4 2012.

RTÉ has built, owns and controls the new national digital TV network which they call Saorview. The RTÉ Saorview digital TV network was launched nationally on 26th May 2011.

RTÉ and the other broadcasters have been, and will continue to, operate a substantial Saorview information and awareness campaign to inform the general public about the availability of the new national digital TV network. In addition RTÉ has established a dedicated website, www.saorview.ie, and a telephone helpline to assist the public to access Saorview.

As Minister, I have promised to deliver a substantial information campaign, including a national telephone helpline, to provide households with information on the digital switchover and on their options for going digital. The tendering process is near completion and it is now envisaged that this national information campaign will start later this year.