Irish and UK Governments sign Memorandum of Understanding on Digital Television
London, 1st February 2010

The Irish and UK Governments agreed a Memorandum of Understanding which provides a framework for continuing co-operation on broadcasting issues on the island of Ireland.

The Memorandum, which is aimed at ensuring a smooth transition to digital switchover and the switch-off of analogue services in Northern Ireland and Ireland, was signed by Ryan and Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Ben Bradshaw.

The Memorandum commits the two Governments to facilitating the widespread availability of RTE services in Northern Ireland on a free to air basis and BBC services in Ireland on a paid for basis. It will also ensure the continuing widespread availability of the Irish language channel TG4 in Northern Ireland following the digital switchover.