Written answers

Tuesday, 4 October 2011

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Telecommunications Services

8:00 pm

Photo of Ciara ConwayCiara Conway (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 398: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources regarding Saorview coverage in the Comeragh area in County Waterford including Kilmacthomas, if he will advise on status of Saorsat, which the Saorview website describes as being in the process of being developed to provide coverage to any coverage black spots such as Kilmacthomas County Waterford; and the measures he will take in the near future to provide television services to this, and other rural areas. [27271/11]

Photo of Brendan GriffinBrendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 409: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will address a problem regarding Saorview in County Kerry (details provided); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27580/11]

Photo of Pat RabbittePat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 398 and 409 together.

Issues relating to television coverage is specific areas of the country are an operational matter for RTÉ. The Broadcasting Act 2009 provides for RTÉ to rollout a digital TV network to the same extent as the analogue TV network. RTÉ has informed my Department that the current analogue TV network covers 98% of the population and that its new digital TV network called Saorview will also cover 98% of the population. RTÉ has developed a website providing information on the Saorview service including coverage information and this is available on its website .

In addition, RTÉ is planning to launch a new satellite service to cover the remaining 2% of the population. RTÉ is not obliged to provide a satellite service and is doing so as a commercial venture. It is my understanding that, once the satellite service has launched, it will mean that Ireland will have a national TV network covering 100% of the population, for the first time.

RTÉ is currently testing the satellite service to check, inter alia, coverage and other issues and to ensure the availability of satellite receivers, once it launches. RTÉ considers that the service will be ready to launch in early 2012.

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