Oireachtas TV to be carried on Saorview

Ceann Comhairle Seán Barrett, T.D. announced that Oireachtas TV will be carried on the Saorview platform from today on a pilot basis and that, subject to the completion of certain technical and regulatory arrangements, the channel should become part of the permanent channel line up on the Saorview platform.

Speaking today, the Ceann Comhairle said, “I very much welcome this access to Saorview as a major step forward for TV coverage of the Oireachtas. It brings to completion the objective of making Oireachtas TV available to as many people as possible across the country. With the addition of the Saorview platform, practically every household in the country will now be able to view the live proceedings of our national parliament. I am delighted to be able to say that this will be available on a free-to-air trial basis from today.”

The Ceann Comhairle went on to note that since his election as Ceann Comhairle, he had consistently identified the need for increased access for the public to the proceedings of the Houses of the Oireachtas such that the people could inform themselves of the work of Parliament and its members.

“I have always believed television to be the best way for people to see for themselves what is happening in their parliament. Having seen the value of what the citizens of countries such as Britain get from BBC Parliament, I have been determined that every household in Ireland should have access to a channel so that they can see for themselves the work of their elected representatives. In that sense, today is an important day for bringing this idea to full fruition. It brings the business of our national parliament nearer to all of the citizens we serve.”

The availability of Oireachtas TV on Saorview, in addition to its carriage on Sky, Virgin Media, Eir and Vodafone, means that the Channel will have coverage in 98% of Irish households.