Enda Kenny
Question:3 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if she will make a statement in relation to digital audio broadcasting; and the proposals, if any, she has for a start-up in this regard. [6539/00]
Ceisteanna–Questions. Priority Questions. - Digital Audio Broadcasting.
As I indicated in my response to Deputy Howlin's Question No. 91 of 1 February 2000, before consideration can be given to establishing digital audio broadcasting in Ireland it will be necessary to develop a national policy for its introduction. This will require extensive consultation with all relevant organisations in the sound broadcasting sector.
My current priority in the broadcasting area, however, is the enactment of the Broadcasting Bill, 1999. When this has been achieved I will pursue the consultation process to which I have already referred.
We have dealt with a broadcasting Bill. This question relates to digital audio broadcasting. Will the Minister make arrangements in the revised Bill to cater for digital audio broadcasting? This is a fundamental matter also. Why not build in a policy entitlement for digital audio broadcasting? Will the Minister confirm the concerns that have been expressed by local radio stations under ICI in respect of the new company to be formed in whatever capacity, given the difficulties the Minister brings to Government, that the multiplexes available for digital audio broadcasting in the future will be under the control of somebody other than that company? Will the Minister clarify that? Will she also comment on the pilot scheme introduced by RTE in respect of digital audio broadcasting? Has she analysed whether that was successful and does she see that being the model for the development of digital audio broadcasting in the future?
To answer the last question first, the pilot scheme RTE has undertaken will be very useful. I have yet to see the results of that scheme but we will examine it when we have an opportunity to set about putting a policy in place for digital audio broadcasting. There are those who believe that the Broadcasting Bill refers to digital audio broadcasting, but it does not. I took the opportunity to meet a number of groups, particularly those representing local radio stations, the IBI as it is now known, on 31 January this year and I explained to them that there was no question of referring to digital audio broadcasting in this legislation, that we need to draw up a policy on the question of digital audio broadcasting because it is something new and that we would need significant technical and regulatory planning involving all the relevant organisations in sound broadcasting, including the ODTR, the Independent Radio and Television Commission, RTE, IBI, the Department of Public Enterprise and my Department. All this is needed before a policy is drawn up. On foot of that policy we will then have an opportunity to draft legislation but specific legislation is needed to deal with digital audio broadcasting.
I would like to refer briefly to the issues raised at the meeting but also publicly by other Deputies. There are the concerns of IBI, one of which is the availability of frequencies for digital audio broadcasting, to which the Deputy referred. The Department confirmed at the meeting with IBI – the ODTR was present at the meeting – that the provisions of the Bill would not affect the availability of frequencies for digital audio broadcasting.
We understand some of the concerns and are prepared to make a number of amendments which we will put forward on Committee Stage. I will bring forward an amendment which will specifically refer to analogue sound broadcasts in section 11. It should put anxieties to rest and make clear the intention of the Bill.
I am waiting to hear further from the IBI. A number of different proposals on this legislation came in from the IBI and it was agreed that IBI would reconsider its position with regard to the proposed amendments in light of its discussions with me and the Department. We have yet to hear further from IBI on the basis of its proposals.
The Deputy asked about the licences. I am aware of the debate taking place and the concern among local radio operators about renewal of existing sound broadcasting contracts. This is an important issue for local station operators. Their view is that any station which commits to going digital should have its analogue contract extended automatically and the Bill should provide for this. When meeting with the IBI, the Department's officials stressed that the renewal of existing contracts was a matter for the Independent Radio and Television Commission. That is the position I outlined when I met the IBI and other groups. Renewal of licences is one step removed from the Minister of the day and is the business of the Independent Radio and Television Commission.