22 MFómh 2014, 09:23
The Houses of the Oireachtas has this morning (Monday 22 September) launched its dedicated television channel Oireachtas TV, bringing unfiltered access to the parliamentary process to over one million households nationwide. The service is now available free of charge on UPC Channel 207 and Sky Channel 574 and, shortly, on the Eircom TV platform.
22 September 2014
The channel sets out to deliver unprecedented public access to the work of the Dáil, Seanad and Committees in a cost effective manner. Building on the successful UPC pilot channel launched in late 2011, Oireachtas TV will bring the Irish public closer to their national parliament than ever before. Parliamentary business will be broadcast to 1.1 million Irish homes in a manner that is instant, accessible, factual, objective and impartial.
Officially launching the channel, Ceann Comhairle of the Dáil, Seán Barrett, TD, said: “I am delighted to be able to announce the launch of a new dedicated Oireachtas TV Channel. On my election as Ceann Comhairle, I identified the need for increased access for the public so that they can inform themselves of the work of Parliament and its members. I always believed television to be the best way for people to see for themselves what is happening in their parliament. Having seen what the citizens of countries such as Britain get from BBC Parliament, I have been determined that every household in Ireland has access to a channel whereby they can tune in when they want and judge for themselves through a first hand account of our political system live on their TV. In that sense, today is an important day for Irish democracy, at it brings the business of our national parliament closer to the citizens we serve.
“With the extraordinary economic and social challenges of recent years, people are increasingly aware of the importance of the political process and parliamentary oversight. In November 2011, a pilot transmission of Oireachtas proceedings began broadcasting on UPC and nationwide surveys found that over 55 percent of UPC users regularly watch the channel. Moreover, it found that the level of viewing had increased year on year.
“So there is clearly an appetite amongst the Irish public for unfiltered access to the proceedings from their national parliament. With free access widened to include Sky subscribers along with UPC customers, this enhanced service will relay the business of our national parliament to the majority of the population. It is regrettable that RTÉ Saorview have not yet agreed to carry this important public service channel – as I think its customers and indeed, every constituent in Ireland should have equal access to see their representatives at work in our parliament.”
The parliamentary television channel is currently in a test phase, so viewers may notice occasional inconsistencies as the service beds down. Feedback is welcomed via:
- Telephone: 01 6183066
- Email: broadcast@oireachtas.ie
- Twitter: @OireachtasNews
Access more information and to view a feed from Oireachtas TV.
Media enquiries to:
Paul Hand,
Communications Unit,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2
P: +3531 618 4484
M: +353 87 694 9926