Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 October 2014
572. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if TG4 plans to launch TG4HD on the back of funding received in 2011; if TG4 has accessed and accounted for these funds; when he expects such a public service to be available on Saorview; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37951/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraTG4 is an independent national public service broadcaster whose remit, obligations, principal objects and associated powers are set out in the Broadcasting Act 2009. Section 98 of that Act provides that TG4 shall be independent in the pursuance of these objects, subject to the requirements of the Act. As such I, as Minister, have no function in TG4’s management of its day to day affairs. This includes the rollout of its High Definition (HD) project.
TG4 has used the funds previously allocated to move to HD compatible broadcasting and the upgrade project for TG4 infrastructure and facilities is now completed. Decisions regarding the carriage of TG4 HD services on SAORVIEW are a matter for TG4, subject of course to the agreement of the necessary commercial terms with RTÉ as owner of the Saorview network, and not a matter in which I have a role.
