John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 415: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the action he will take in respect of the lack of full digital reception and cover in areas of the country in which Saorview cannot be received either now or in October; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29082/12]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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RTÉ provides full digital reception through its SAORVIEW (98%) and SAORSAT (100%) networks. This is the first time in the history of TV that Ireland has a national TV network covering 100% of the population. RTÉ has built, owns and controls the digital TV network and is also responsible for the coverage and operation of that network. In accordance with Part 8 of the Broadcasting Act 2009, the development of the RTÉ network is an operational matter for RTÉ and not one in which I, as Minister, have a function.

I have, however, had enquiries made on your behalf. I understand from RTÉ that the analogue network covers 98% of the population, the SAORVIEW network will provide 98% population coverage and SAORSAT provides 100% coverage. SAORSAT is a new 'free-to-air' satellite service unique to Ireland which ensures the RTÉ TV services are available to the remaining 2% of the population. RTÉ is not obliged to provide a satellite service and is doing so on its own initiative. Further information on SAORSAT is available on www.saorview.ie and also www.rtenl.ie .

Work has been ongoing across the country to prepare the transmission sites for the move from analogue to digital terrestrial television. However, it is virtually impossible to cover 100% of the population by terrestrial means. Reasons for this include local topography, for example. 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.