Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 136: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will clarify a matter regarding SaorView (details supplied). [28592/12]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The SAORSAT satellite service has been developed by RTÉ on its own initiative and is not a requirement under the Broadcasting Act 2009. As such, I, as Minister, have no function in this matter.

That said, I have made enquiries and can now provide the following information. SAORSAT has been developed by RTÉ to cater for persons who cannot access SAORVIEW. As a result, Irish free-to-air channels will be available in 100% of the country for the first time.

The carriage of TG4 or any other broadcaster on the SAORSAT service is a commercial decision for each of the broadcasters in question and the terms and conditions relating to such carriage would be a matter for commercial negotiation between RTÉ and the relevant broadcaster.

I have been informed that TG4 is available on SAORSAT since the middle of May.