Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide a breakdown of the percentage of the population in County Kerry that will no longer be able to receive any television coverage whatsoever after the 24 October 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40768/12]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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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.

The SAORVIEW network is largely completed. The remaining thirteen sites, including Dingle in Kerry will be brought into service over the next few weeks. These sites will be coming on air from 1^st October and will provide increased coverage in the relevant areas. RTÉ will operate a local campaign to inform people. According to RTÉ Networks Limited (RTÉNL) six of the fifty five SAORVIEW transmission sites are located in County Kerry (Mullaghanish – Cork/Kerry border, Kilkeaveragh, Maamclasagh, Dingle, Knockmoyle, Cnoc An Oir). Additionally, parts of County Kerry are covered by transmission sites in other counties (Castletownbere, Bantry – Cork, Maghera – Clare).

That said, it is simply impossible to cover 100% of the population by means of terrestrial television transmission system.

With the addition of the SAORSAT platform however, for the first time in the history of television in Ireland, virtually every home in Ireland has free-to-air access to the Irish Public Service Broadcast television services and any other television channels that choose to join the SAORSAT platform.

With specific reference to Kerry I have been informed by RTÉNL that SAORVIEW has delivered a significant improvement in terrestrial coverage in both geographical and population coverage terms as follows:

Population

RTÉ One Analogue 90% population / SAORVIEW 95% / + 5%

RTÉ Two Analogue 90% population / SAORVIEW 95% / + 5%

TV3 Analogue 44% population / SAORVIEW 95% / +51%

TG4 Analogue 75% population / SAORVIEW 95% / +20%

Geographical

RTÉ One Analogue 75% area / SAORVIEW 87% / + 12%

RTÉ Two Analogue 75% area / SAORVIEW 87% / + 12%

TV3 Analogue 40% area / SAORVIEW 87% / + 47%

TG4 Analogue 64% area / SAORVIEW 87% / + 23%