As I have explained to the Deputy in previous replies to Parliamentary Questions, RTÉ has built, owns and controls the SAORVIEW TV network and is responsible for the roll-out, coverage and operation of that network. This is in accordance with Part 8 of the Broadcasting Act 2009, which provides that the development of the RTÉ network is an operational matter for RTÉ.
The SAORVIEW network is complete and provides c. 98% population coverage. It must be understood that it is simply not possible to provide 100% coverage by terrestrial means. Reasons for this include, for example, local topography.
In addition to SAORVIEW, RTÉ has developed SAORSAT, a new free-to-air satellite service unique to Ireland to ensure the RTÉ television services are available to the remaining 2% of the population. SAORSAT launched in March 2012. SAORVIEW and SAORSAT coverage and reception information is available on www.saorview.ie and www.rtenl.ie.
Specifically in relation to Kerry, as I explained to the Deputy in a Parliamentary Question reply of October 10th, I have been informed by RTÉNL that SAORVIEW has delivered a significant improvement in terrestrial coverage in both geographical and population coverage in County Kerry as set out in the following tables:
Geographical
|
Channel
|
Analogue Coverage
|
SAORVIEW Coverage
|
Increase
|
|
RTÉ One
|
75 % area
|
87%
|
12%
|
|
RTÉ Two
|
75% area
|
87%
|
12%
|
|
TV3
|
40% area
|
87%
|
47%
|
|
TG4
|
64% area
|
87%
|
23%
|
Population
|
Channel
|
Analogue Coverage
|
SAORVIEW Coverage
|
Increase
|
|
RTÉ One
|
90% population
|
95%
|
5%
|
|
RTÉ Two
|
90% population
|
95%
|
5%
|
|
TV3
|
44% population
|
95%
|
51%
|
|
TG4
|
75% population
|
95%
|
20%
|
In relation to SAORSAT in Co. Kerry, RTÉNL has organised training for installers. On October 1st ten installers attended a training course in Kerry. The course was open to any installer and the ones that attended were from areas such as Firies, Killorglin, Kenmare, Killarney, Caherciveen, Beaufort, Waterville and Castleisland. It was demonstrated how SAORSAT works, the best dish type to use, how to fix the dish correctly and how to point it in the correct direction. On 22 October RTÉNL provided a demonstration of SAORSAT to about 60 attendees in Annascaul, County Kerry. Initial feedback from the meeting was positive.
Should installers in Kerry have any difficulties installing SAORSAT, they should contact RTÉNL directly and RTÉNL will arrange the necessary training. Further information on SAORSAT is available on www.saorview.ie and www.rtenl.ie.
In relation to the requirement to have a television licence, section 142(1) of the Broadcasting Act 2009 provides that “….a person shall not keep or have in his possession anywhere in the territory of the state a television set save in so far as such keeping or possession is authorised by a television licence for the time being in force”.
The 2009 Act defines a television set as “any electronic apparatus capable of receiving and exhibiting television broadcasting services broadcast for general reception (whether or not its use for that purpose is dependent on the use of anything else in conjunction with it) and any software or assembly comprising such apparatus and other apparatus”.
In effect, this means that, if you own a television set in Ireland, you must have a current television licence for that set. The requirement to have a TV licence is applied equally to all households in possession of a television set in the State.
