Conor Lenihan
Question:98 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he envisages that the cross-Border bodies will have a role in relation to the development of digital television on an all-Ireland basis. [11160/98]
Written Answers. - Digital Television.
The Agreement reached in the multi-party negotiations sets out in some detail the nature of new North-South arrangements and in particular the role of the Ministerial Council and associated implementation bodies and areas for co-operation. The purpose of these new arrangements is, as the Agreement states, "to develop consultation, co-operation and action within the island of Ireland — including through implementation on an all-island and crossborder basis — on matters of mutual interest within the competence of the Administrations, North and South".
Twelve areas where co-operation and implementation for mutual benefit may take place are set out in the Annex to Strand Two of the Agreement. It should be noted that other areas in addition to these 12 may be considered by the shadow or transitional North-South Council.
In terms of television broadcasting and its technology, the situation is somewhat complicated by the fact that the relevant authorities are based outside Northern Ireland. It remains to be decided whether this area will come within the competence of the Northern Administration. Should it do so, then the development of digital television on an all-Ireland basis may be discussed under the new North-South arrangements envisaged by the Agreement.
I would also draw attention to the commitment in the Agreement to explore with the relevant British authorities, and in co-operation with the Irish broadcasting authorities, the scope for achieving more widespread availability of Teilifís na Gaeilge in Northern Ireland.