Television Broadcast.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 February 2004

Thursday, 19 February 2004

Ceisteanna (156)

Liz O'Donnell

Ceist:

156 Ms O’Donnell asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the plans to improve access to RTE programming for Irish emigrants resident in the United Kingdom; the position since the withdrawal of a service (details supplied); if RTE broadcasts to Irish emigrants in the UK can be restored; his views on whether it is in line with the task force on emigrants that funding might be appropriate to support such extra jurisdictional broadcasting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5389/04]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. D. Ahern)

Under section 28 of the Broadcasting Act 2001, RTE has a statutory mandate to provide a television and sound broadcasting service to the whole community of Ireland. It is a matter for the State to determine how best to fulfil its statutory mandate.

The channel referred to was a commercial television service that was available on satellite and cable. The company providing the service went into liquidation due to a lack of commercial success. RTE has no plans to commence a long wave radio service that will reach listeners across the country, much of the UK and parts of Europe. My Department is considering the recommendations on broadcasting contained in the report of the task force on policy regarding emigrants.