Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 February 2005
119 Mr. English asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his preferences in respect of the future of the public and private broadcasting sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3661/05]
Amharc ar fhreagra134 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans for the development of broadcasting services, with particular reference to both the public and private sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3662/05]
Amharc ar fhreagra136 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his preferred options in respect of the most desirable role to be played by both the public and private broadcasting sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3660/05]
Amharc ar fhreagra311 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his preferred options in respect of the most desirable role to be played by both the public and private broadcasting sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3977/05]
Amharc ar fhreagra312 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his preferences in respect of the future of the public and private broadcasting sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3978/05]
Amharc ar fhreagra313 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans for the development of broadcasting services with particular reference to both the public and private sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3979/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 119, 134, 136 and 311 to 313, inclusive, together.
I refer to my reply to Question No. 137 on 21 October 2004. I am of the opinion that Irish viewers will be best served by a broadcasting environment that includes a strong public service broadcasting presence in the form of RTE and an independent TG4, together with private broadcasters. Digital television offers opportunities for Irish viewers to avail of an increased number of broadcasting services, including new services of particular relevance or interest to Irish audiences. An indication of this is the fact that the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland has licensed a number of new television services in recent months.
