Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 134: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will investigate a matter regarding Saorsat (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19682/12]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Issues relating to television coverage in 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. In addition, RTÉ is launching a new 'free-to-air' satellite service, SAORSAT to cover the remaining 2% of the population. RTÉ is not obliged to provide a satellite service and is doing so on its own initiative. It is my understanding from RTÉ Networks Limited that SAORSAT is now available, which means that Ireland has a national TV network covering 100% of the population, for the first time. Further information on SAORSAT is available on www.saorview.ie and also www.rtenl.ie.