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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 9 Oct 2002

Vol. 554 No. 5

Written Answers. - Telecommunications Services.

Joan Burton

Question:

128 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position with regard to the provision of digital terrestrial television; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17040/02]

Bids were invited in June 2001 from parties interested in being selected as the digital terrestrial television, DTT, multiplex company. While a total of four parties expressed an interest in applying, only one party, the "Its TV" consortium, submitted a proposal by the deadline of 3 August 2001. On the recommendations of the consultants, engaged to manage the selection process, a deadline of 31 January 2002 was agreed to allow "Its TV" fulfil certain conditions primarily relating to financing requirements. In February 2002, the consultants reported the emergence of a credible potential lead investor and a further extension was granted in order to allow that party to complete its due diligence. The "Its TV" consortium withdrew from the process on 4 October.

I am considering how to proceed in relation to the establishment of a DTT platform in Ireland and will indicate how I intend to move forward in the coming weeks.

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