Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will report on National Digital Switch Over Week and on all other necessary preparations in relation to the switching off of the analogue TV network on 24 October, 2012; if the estimated 200,000 people still using the analogue network will have alternative arrangements in place after that date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39166/12]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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First of all, I would like to point out that TV viewers who use the analogue TV network will need to make the change to digital in advance of 10 a.m., Wednesday 24 October when this network will be closed down. TV viewers who currently use pay TV are unaffected. The replacement digital “free to air” TV network, SAORVIEW, has been nationally available since May 2011. Alternatively, TV viewers can choose to upgrade to a pay TV service such as cable or satellite.

SAORVIEW currently provides access to “free to air” TV to almost 98% of the population and will fulfil the full extent of its coverage obligations by ²⁴ October 2012. Thirteen smaller sites will go live between September 24 and October 1. As a result, SAORVIEW will provide in excess of 98% coverage. SAORVIEW will be providing information at a local level to residents in these areas in relation to SAORVIEW coverage.

For the remaining 2% of the population, RTÉ launched SAORSAT in March 2012. SAORSAT is a “free to air” satellite system providing access to RTÉ channels and TG4. Since March 2012, therefore, everyone in Ireland can make the switch to digital.

I am very much aware of the challenges digital switchover brings for those households that are reliant on the existing “free to air” analogue TV network. In this regard, to compliment the national information and awareness campaign and the Outreach programme, on Monday 10^th September I announced details of National Digital Switchover Week which is taking place from 17th – 23rd September, 2012.

Organised by my Department in partnership with The Wheel and Irish Rural Link, the week will see 26 local Digital Outreach Champions across the country organise events in their communities to encourage those who have not yet switched to digital TV to do so during National Digital Switchover Week. A list of events is available on

The information and awareness campaign rolled out in October 2011 will continue until the end of 2012. The campaign provides information on what is happening, the timelines and the different choices available to upgrade to digital. This comprehensive campaign includes advertising on TV, local and national radio; an analogue marker (red x 24 October) to act as a constant reminder to everyone using the analogue service to switch to digital; research; a dedicated website – and national telephone helpline; and an information booklet which was delivered to every household in the country.

Ongoing local awareness initiatives led by the Digital Outreach Champions as part of the Department’s Outreach Programme has made a concerted effort over the past 6 months, in particular, to remind people not to get left behind and make the switch.

Furthermore, I and officials in my Department are continuing to work closely with RTÉ, TG4, TV3, RTÉNL, ComReg and the BAI and our colleagues in Northern Ireland to ensure a smooth transition to digital broadcasting in the country.

As there are only 36 days to go before the 24 October deadline, I would urge all Deputies to engage with the Outreach Programme and Digital Switchover Week at a local level in order to urge constituents to move to digital now and not to wait until the last minute.