Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the outcome of the research initiated by him in relation to potential interference that may be caused by the new 4G network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4764/13]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The issue raised in the Deputy’s Question may arise right across the EU as 4G services are rolled out. I can confirm that a group has been established by my Department to examine the degree to which this issue may arise in Ireland when the roll out of 4G services commences later in 2013. The group comprises officials from my Department, as well as representatives from ComReg, the BAI, RTÉ and the mobile industry and its focus will be on assessing the potential for any disruption to TV signals in households that use “free to air” television and to identify any possible remedial measures that may be required. The approaches being developed in other countries, including the UK, will be studied by the group and will help inform the approach that we will take in Ireland. ComReg has already confirmed its view that any disruption that may arise to TV signals would be capable of being addressed by filters which are available. It is my intention that an agreed joint strategy should be put in place in advance of 4G roll-out that fully addresses the issues around any potential disruption to consumers’ television service.