Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 December 2007
87 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his Department’s readiness for the digital terrestrial television switch over; if the south east and east of Ireland will be affected when Wales switches off analogue in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35621/07]
Amharc ar fhreagra102 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress that has occurred to date in the preparation for the launch of digital terrestrial television; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35475/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 87 and 102 together.
The 2007 Broadcasting (Amendment) Act introduces a framework for the licensing of Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) in Ireland. Under this legislation, RTÉ is required to carry the current national TV channels of RTE and RTE 2, TV3 and TG4 over a national, free to air DTT multiplex and the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI) is required to offer multiplexes for the provision of additional commercial DTT services. It is anticipated that, before 2012, there could be many TV channels available on DTT. The Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) is tasked with ensuring that sufficient spectrum is available for DTT services and that spectrum licences are issued to RTÉ and the BCI. I am satisfied that ComReg, BCI and RTÉ are making progress in delivering on their statutory duties.
The EU has proposed a deadline of 2012 for the switching off of analogue television broadcasting. It is expected that the coming year will see the upgrading and development of networks for digital terrestrial broadcasting. It is probable that actual DTT broadcasting will commence in the 2008/2009 period.
Analogue broadcasting is due to be switched off by the UK Government in Wales in 2009. At this time, the south east of Ireland will lose overspill reception of British analogue TV channels. The border area will continue to receive analogue overspill from Northern Ireland until 2012. It is anticipated that, from 2008 to 2012, there will be a steady development of Irish DTT services as a range of services aimed at meeting viewers needs are made available by both public service and commercial broadcasters.
88 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the way he envisages TG4 will be financed in the long-term; the timeframe for implementation of appropriate corporate governance arrangements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35620/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraTG4 will continue to receive public funds to finance its operations, along with the income it receives from advertising. In the recent Estimates process, TG4 has been allocated €36.580m in funding, for the year ending 31 December 2008. As the Deputy is aware, TG4 was established as an independent statutory body from 1 April 2007. The Code of Practice for the Governance of State bodies applies to TG4 from that date. The funding arrangement for the station will continue to be reviewed on an ongoing basis.
The forthcoming Broadcasting Bill will outline the high level corporate governance arrangements in respect of Teilifis na Gaeilge and will propose the introduction of a mechanism for the review on a five year basis of the adequacy or otherwise of public funding for the station.
