Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in view of the fact that in 2011 TV users paid some €134 million for public service TV through the mandatory TV licence, his views on whether it is an affront to the 1 million plus persons who paid the licence to describe the Saorview service as free; in view of the fact that there remain 200,000 homes that have not yet converted from analogue, this number does not seem to have changed much over the course of the extensive advertising campaign, his views on the reason for same; the reason specific financial support has not been provided to the disadvantaged such as the elderly who may incur not insignificant costs in terms of the purchase of new equipment such as set-top boxes, or new external aerials; if there is anyway that his Department can ensure that those that can receive a signal receive a high quality signal without disruptions; and the action that will be taken to assist the thousands of persons who will be cut off on 24 October 2012. [47119/12]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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In relation to the number of people who have not made the switch to digital, I refer the Deputy to my reply to him on October 11^th . From the reply, he will see that there has been a significant reduction in the number of people affected. As I have stated in reply to previous questions, we have not and do not propose to introduce grant schemes for digital switchover. Experience from other European countries indicates that the cost of set top boxes and other digital receivers reduces as the date for digital switchover approaches, and there is increased competition in the market. There is clear evidence that happened in Ireland with affordable set top boxes that meet the SAORVIEW standard on the market, as well as a range of suitable digital televisions. In addition, experience from other European countries also shows that the availability of accurate and reliable information and the provision of practical assistance is the most effective approach towards assisting people in making the switch to digital television.

In this regard, a substantial information campaign has been delivered which resulted in 99% awareness of digital switch over. The campaign will run up to the end of 2012. In conjunction with this, on 10 January 2012, I signed an agreement with a national voluntary organisation, the Wheel, to develop and operate a nationwide community outreach digital switchover programme (Outreach Programme). This programme has been very successful and will run for a number of weeks after digital switchover on 24^th October to ensure that assistance continues to be available to any vulnerable households who have not switched over.