Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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408. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when a decision will be made by RTÉ to move all children’s programming to RTEjr from RTÉ Two. [49393/13]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Section 103 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 provides that a corporation requires my consent for new services and variations in channels. I have received a submission from RTÉ in respect of the proposal to which the Deputy refers and it is currently being examined by my Department in order to consider its public value. My Department has also consulted with the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland in respect of the sectoral impact of this proposal. I expect to be in a position to make a decision in the matter shortly.

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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409. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the recent closure of Dublin Community TV. [49398/13]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Community media is an important and distinct third strand of Irish broadcasting, sitting alongside commercial and public service broadcasting. Community television and radio stations provide a social benefit to the communities they serve, allowing for community access and participation. They are uniquely situated so that the output of each station reflects the special interests and needs of its intended listenership. While I am very disappointed to hear of the difficulties being encountered by DCTV and of the station's impending closure, I understand that the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland remains in a process of engagement with DCTV on this matter.