Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour)
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Question 155: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the main findings of RTÉ's report into Saorview and Saorstat provision in west Cork which he received on 16 May 2012; the actions he will take following the publication of the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25701/12]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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On 25 April as a result of issues raised during a topical debate on SAORVIEW coverage in Cork, I requested from RTÉ an overview report on coverage in Cork and I can confirm that a summary report in this regard has since been received from RTÉNL by my Department.

This summary concludes that in the Cork area there is a substantial increase in TV coverage as a result of the introduction of SAORVIEW and SAORSAT.

In relation to SAORVIEW I have been informed by RTÉNL that the SAORVIEW network in Cork covers 96% of the population. This means that in Cork, 96% of the population can upgrade to SAORVIEW and will receive RTÉ1, RTÉ2, TG4, TV3, 3e, RTÉ1+1, RTÉ News Now, RTÉ jr and 10 RTÉ radio channels. This is significantly higher than the current analogue TV coverage which is: 90% for RTÉ1 and RTÉ2, 80% for TG4 and 63% for TV3.

That said, I can confirm that RTÉNL is continuing to work on developing more detailed information on areas where coverage issues have been identified and my Department will continue to liaise with RTÉNL to ensure that such information is made available at a local level.

The availability of the RTÉ SAORSAT satellite service increases TV coverage to 100% in all areas. SAORSAT broadcasts all the SAORVIEW TV channels except the two TV3 channels – TV3 and 3e. In this regard, it is important to note that TV3 is a commercial broadcaster and, as such, a decision to use SAORSAT will be a commercial decision for TV3.

RTÉ is not required to provide SAORSAT but has chosen to develop this unique and innovative solution to ensure a 'free to air' TV service is available to 100% of the country.