Vol. 562 No. 4
131 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will make a statement on his recent address to the Dublin Chamber of Commerce; and his proposals for an all-Ireland digital television system. [6264/03]
When addressing the Dublin Chamber of Commerce recently I referred to the fact that peace unleashes untapped synergies and unrealised potentials in our economies, societies, communities and businesses. I listed some examples in the case of my Department's area of responsibility. One of the potential synergies I identified was in the area of digital terrestrial television.
I suggested the possibility of an all-island DTT model, similar to the UK "Freeview" model. My idea was that such a model would carry all of the television services currently available on analogue terrestrial television in this jurisdiction along with those available in Northern Ireland. I asked my officials to examine the idea and they have had an initial contact with their northern counterparts.
I am currently considering options for advancing the establishment of Digital Terrestrial Television in Ireland in order to ensure that, in a digital era, Irish free-to-air television services continue to be available on a universal basis throughout the State. A DTT model based on the UK "Freeview" model is just one of the options being considered. When I have concluded my consideration of the options available I will bring forward a policy proposal setting out how I intend to proceed.
Questions Nos. 132 and 133 answered with Question No. 123.
