I am pleased to inform Members that as of 2 p.m. today, the proceedings of the House will be broadcast live on channel 801 on the UPC network, as part of a trial initiative for a period of six months. This trial is being provided at no cost to the Exchequer. As Ceann Comhairle, I am particularly pleased that the notion of increased access to the work of Parliament and its Members is being enhanced with the launch of this initiative.
I would like particularly to record my thanks to Dana Strong, chief executive of UPC Ireland, and her team, who have been innovative in their approach and who have proven their commitment to this project from the start. I am excited by the possibilities of this project and I hope that the public will use this facility to follow the work of the Houses of the Oireachtas.
I would also like to welcome Dana Strong from UPC to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery.