Before I left for Los Angeles, I said that certain difficulties regarding RTE's involvement in the digital infrastructure had arisen during the discussions, particularly those relating to the project management group. I said I was examining these issues and that when I had done so and consulted my Cabinet colleagues I would make a statement. I did not confirm or deny the statements made in some of the daily newspapers. I wish to take this opportunity to categorically state that on 22 July 1998 the Government decided that arrangements would be made for the introduction of digital terrestrial television and the separation of the existing transmission function from RTE. The subsequent entity, in which RTE would retain a stake, would be mandated to construct and operate the DTT infrastructure and promote the development of multi-media services and the information society.
This decision also provided that the manner of the sale – the selection of the purchaser and the criteria for such-would be decided by the project management group, which is headed by my Department and also includes the Department of Finance, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the Department of Public Enterprise and RTE. In parallel with the publication of the Broadcasting Bill and its completion of Second Stage, the project management group has begun separating the transmission network from RTE and selecting the investor in the digital transmission entity envisaged by the Government decision. Given the importance and complexity of this task, the group selected a consortium of advisers, led by AIB, to manage the project to its conclusion under the direction of the group.
An informative memorandum has been prepared and arrangements are being made to ensure the decisions of the project management group will be informed by the concerns of the staff of RTE who are likely to be transferred to the new digital transmission entity. The development of a transaction process which satisfies all the requirements of the project management group and the Government objectives to introduce digital terrestrial television has proved difficult and complex.
With the advice of the project management group, I am now considering the best way forward to establish a DTT platform and have sought the observations of my Cabinet colleagues. I hope to meet the RTE Authority tomorrow morning and following those dis cussions, I will put the proposals to Cabinet and the decision of Cabinet will be made public.