Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will carry out upgrading and retrofit to existing TV transmission masts in pockets of areas in County Kerry, particularly the east, south and west of the county, in view of the fact that decommissioning of these transmitters in conjunction with Saorview on the 24 October 2012, will leave thousands of people in these areas without any TV coverage; and if he will act immediately to address the anomaly and deficiency in the infrastructure for providing equality to all householders in the country in the changeover to digital TV; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39839/12]

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

RTÉ has built, owns and controls the Saorview TV network and is responsible for the roll-out, coverage and operation of that network. This is in accordance with Part 8 of the Broadcasting Act 2009, which provides that the development of the RTÉ network is an operational matter for RTÉ. Section 130 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 Act provides that RTÉ must roll out a national digital TV network to the same extent as its existing analogue network. In this regard, I understand from RTÉ that their analogue network covers 98% of the population and the Saorview network will also provide 98% population coverage. It is impossible to cover 100% of the population by terrestrial means. The SAORVIEW network is largely completed. The remaining thirteen sites will be brought into service over the next few weeks. These sites will be coming on air between 24^th September and 1^st October and RTÉ will operate a local campaign to inform people.

Regarding Kerry, I have been informed by RTÉ Networks Limited that six of the fifty five SAORVIEW transmission sites are located in County Kerry (Mullaghanish –Cork/Kerry border, Kilkeaveragh, Maamclasagh, Dingle, Knockmoyle, Conc An Oir). Additionally, parts of county Kerry are covered by transmission sites in other counties (Castletownbere, Bantry – Cork, Maghera – Clare). SAORVIEW coverage in Kerry gives the follows improvements over the old analogue network:

- An improvement in terrestrial availability of 5% for RTÉ One and RTÉ Two

- An improvement in terrestrial availability of 20% for TG4

- An improvement in terrestrial availability of 51% for TV3

In addition to Saorview, RTÉ has developed SAORSAT, a new free-to-air satellite service unique to Ireland to ensure the RTÉ television services are available to the remaining 2% of the population. SAORSAT launched in March 2012. Currently, SAORSAT provides access to the RTÉ channels including the new RTÉ channels developed for SAORVIEW and TG4. TV3 has not yet made a decision regarding SAORSAT. RTÉ is not obliged to provide this satellite service and is doing so on its own initiative. I am informed that with this satellite service, Ireland will have a national TV network covering 100% of the population for the first time including any parts of County Kerry that cannot access SAORVIEW. Further information on SAORSAT, SAORVIEW coverage and the transmitters being used is available on .

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to reimburse those members of the public who are unable to receive Saorview and who will be charged at least €200 for the installation of a new satellite dish with LNBF for SAORSAT; his views on whether it is acceptable that these members of the public who have already paid €160 for their TV licence are charged so much to receive this service; his views on whether it is acceptable that some members of the public are left without Saorview coverage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39920/12]

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

RTÉ has built, owns and controls the Saorview TV network and is responsible for the roll-out, coverage and operation of that network. This is in accordance with Part 8 of the Broadcasting Act 2009, which provides that the development of the RTÉ network is an operational matter for RTÉ. Section 130 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 Act also provides that RTÉ must roll out a national digital TV network to the same extent as its existing analogue network. In this regard, I understand from RTÉ that their analogue network covers 98% of the population and the Saorview network will also provide 98% population coverage. It is impossible to cover 100% of the population by terrestrial means. RTÉ is not obliged under legislation to provide the SAORSAT satellite service and is doing so on its own initiative. The availability of SAORSAT means that the first time in Irish television history there is 100% coverage for domestic TV channels.

In relation to the provision of financial assistance in the context of digital switchover, as I have stated in previous parliamentary question responses, I do not propose to introduce grant schemes for the purpose of digital switchover. In relation to the requirement for a TV licence, the rationale for providing State funding for public service broadcasting is to provide an independent and reliable income flow that allows our public service broadcasters, RTÉ and TG4, to attain their public service objects while ensuring they can maintain editorial independence. The overall aim is to provide services and content which cater for all interests in society, while ensuring that the varied elements of Irish culture and its intrinsic values are protected. Also it should be noted that 7% of the TV licence revenue goes to the Broadcasting Funding Scheme to assist independent broadcasters.