Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 335: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has reviewed the BCI's report on the future of digital radio, Digital Radio for Ireland, Competing Options; Public Expectations; if he is considering a White Paper on the future of digital radio in the context of this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15685/12]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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As part of its Media Research Funding Scheme, the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI) commissioned a report, "Digital Radio for Ireland, Competing Options; Public Expectations", which was published in September 2009. The research was undertaken by Helen Shaw, Athena Media and Dr. Brian O'Neill, Dublin Institute of Technology.

The aim of the research was to contribute to the debate on digital radio by reporting on the sector's preparedness for digital radio. The study examined some of the competing options for digital radio against a background of growing convergence and the shifting consumption patterns of Ireland's 'iPod generation' or 'digital natives'. The report also gathered the opinions and responses of senior executives and strategists in the radio broadcasting industry on existing provision for digital audio services, including live streaming, listen again facilities, podcasts, as well as their strategies for further digital radio deployments including terrestrial digital broadcasting and internet radio.

A range of recommendations emanated from the report including the development of a policy White Paper, as referred to by the Deputy.

This report was one in a series of inputs considered by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) in devising its Strategy Statement during the course of 2010. In this respect the BAI also had regard to the general and specific objectives for the BAI as set out in statute, together with a range of other duties set out in the Act and in the BAI's broader work schedule, which were bound by specific timeframes for their completion. The Strategy Statement for 2011-2013 offers an outline of what will be achieved by the organisation, taking account of the above. A key strategic goal for the BAI is to facilitate the provision of a diverse range of broadcasting services and content. An objective in this regard is to ensure a diverse range of broadcasting services that best meets the needs of the people of Ireland and the presence of content and programming that represents and reflects the diversity within Irish society.

Over the course of the next two and a half years, the BAI will embark on the process of re-licensing commercial radio services, on the FM band, in 24 franchise areas where contractors' licences are due to expire. Work in this regard has commenced and to date the BAI has completed and will shortly publish its Broadcasting Services Strategy. By end 2012, it is anticipated that a licensing plan for the re-licensing of services in the 24 franchise areas will be published.

In regard to the specific issue of digital radio, the BAI has also included an objective in its Strategy to examine the desirability or, and potential for, digital sound broadcasting. It is anticipated that a programme of work in this regard will be considered in 2013.

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 336: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has been briefed by ComReg on its recommendations for developing digital radio services here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15688/12]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) is responsible for licensing spectrum to both the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland and RTÉ in respect of sound broadcasting services, including digital radio services.

I can confirm that my Department has been in touch with ComReg on this matter and ComReg has confirmed that it has issued no recommendations in relation to developing digital radio services in Ireland.