Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:136 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will clarify a matter regarding SAORVIEW (details supplied). [28592/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 13 June 2012
Ceisteanna (135)
Freagraí scríofa
The SAORSAT satellite service has been developed by RTÉ on its own initiative and is not a requirement under the Broadcasting Act 2009. As such, I, as Minister, have no function in this matter.
That said, I have made inquiries and can now provide the following information. SAORSAT has been developed by RTÉ to cater for persons who cannot access SAORVIEW. As a result, Irish free-to-air channels will be available in 100% of the country for the first time.
The carriage of TG4 or any other broadcaster on the SAORSAT service is a commercial decision for each of the broadcasters in question and the terms and conditions relating to such carriage would be a matter for commercial negotiation between RTÉ and the relevant broadcaster.
I have been informed that TG4 is available on SAORSAT since the middle of May.