Vol. 523 No. 2
88 D'fhiafraigh Mr. McGinley den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta, Gaeltachta agus Oileán na céimeanna atá glactha aici chun comhartha craolta trastíre TG4 a leathnú ar fud Thuaisceart Éireann agus na forálacha i gComhaontú Bhéal Feirste a fheidhmiú. [20300/00]
Efforts have been ongoing for a number of years to increase the availability of our broadcasting services in the North by upping the power northwards from RTE transmitters to Clernmont Carn in County Louth. After much discussion and negotiation between Irish and British officials and broadcasters the power of the transmitters was late last year increased to a stage where RTE estimate that reception of television services based on this side of the Border has increased to at least 70% of the population of Northern Ireland from roughly 30% which was the level when the current efforts to secure clear ance for the increased coverage began. Final political clearance for the increased power is necessary but I am hopeful that this can be secured without undue difficulty.
I am hopeful that the introduction of digital broadcasting techniques will provide opportunities for complete coverage of the North with our broadcasting services. The Broadcasting Bill, 1999, will, when enacted, provide that I shall have the power to direct that a digital multiplex or part thereof be reserved for terrestrial broadcasting services provided in Northern Ireland. The intention is that this power will be used if the British authorities introduce reciprocal arrangements for the carriage in Northern Ireland of broadcasters established on this side of the Border.
As I indicated in my reply to Question No. 102 of 1 February 2000, the suggestion by the Deputy regarding the establishment of Teilifís na Gaeilge transmitters in Northern Ireland is not under consideration.
While I am happy that some efforts have been made to improve transmission of TG4 to Northern Ireland via the terrestrial transmission network, is the Minister satisfied that this will enable every householder in Northern Ireland to avail of this service? No matter how much this transmission has increased the power I do not think it would penetrate to every area of Northern Ireland. Is it not in the interest of the Minister and TG4 that other transmission systems be considered such as the cable services? We were all disappointed that TG4 was omitted from the NTL agreement during the summer. Indeed, the Minister of State expressed disappointment at the time. Will the Minister pursue that area of transmission to ensure that everyone in Northern Ireland who has an interest in obtaining TG4 can do so?
This issue has been ongoing for about 20 years. At the end of last year we moved forward to a stage where reception of television services has increased to 70% as opposed to 30%. Obviously we wish to see a far greater percentage, if not the whole of Northern Ireland, being able to access RTE if that is their wish. There will be an opportunity to improve access with digital technology. There is a commitment in the Good Friday Agreement, reached in the multi-party negotiations on the North, that in the context of the measures in relation to the Irish language that the British Government will "explore urgently with the relevant British authorities in co-operation with Irish broadcasting authorities the scope for achieving more widespread availability of TG4 in the North". The Agreement clearly places responsibility for implementing these provisions on the British Government. There appears to be goodwill on the issue and we are beginning to move forward. Like the Deputy, I would like to see universal coverage of TG4 in the North.
With reference to the carriage of TG4 on NTL cable in the North, I wrote to the Deputy recently explaining the situation after he inquired about it. This is a matter, first and foremost, between the cable company and the station. I understand that NTL recently began to carry RTE programmes on a digital cable system. RTE would have preferred the station to be carried on the analog service because it would have reached more people. At present, digital cable take up is minimal and that is a problem.
It is a matter for the cable company and the station. I am aware of the Deputy's particular interest in this issue and he is welcome to keep in touch with me about it.
That concludes questions nominated for priority.
