Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 11 Mar 1998

Vol. 488 No. 5

Written Answers - Digital Television.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

17 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if, in developing her policy on digital broadcasting, she will ensure that her Department and other Departments charged with responsibility for telecommunications and trade have regular meetings to agree policy, co-ordinate action and avoid duplication in these rapidly converging areas of technology in view of the EU Commission's recent Green Paper on this subject and the imminent need for Government policy decisions. [2391/98]

Enda Kenny

Question:

19 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if she will clarify the division of responsibilities in so far as broadcasting is concerned between her Department and the Department of Public Enterprise; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4146/98]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera)

Tógfaidh mé Ceistenna Uimh. 17 agus 19 le chéile.

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 1 of 5 February 1998 in which I indicated to the House that I am in the process of developing proposals on digital broadcasting as a matter of urgency and that I envisage consultation with the Minister for Public Enterprise. It is my responsibility to develop proposals for the establishment of appropriate statutory structures to oversee the introduction and ongoing regulation, from a broadcasting perspective, of Irish digital broadcasting services. Matters relating to telecommunications policy fall under the remit of the Minister for Public Enterprise and there is a role for the Director of Telecommunications Regulation in relation to radio frequency spectrum management and technical licensing.

In relation to the European Commission's Green Paper on Convergence, the Minister for Public Enterprise is in the process of preparing a response to the Green Paper and has launched a public call for written submissions. The Green Paper poses almost 30 questions on various aspects of convergence. My Department is considering these questions from a broadcasting policy perspective and will liaise closely with the Department of Public Enterprise in finalising a response to the European Commission. I am also aware that there is ongoing liaison between the Department of Public Enterprise, and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment in relation to issues such as encryption, digital signatures and conditional access.

I can assure the Deputy that there will be co-ordinated action and duplication will be avoided.