THE OIREACHTAS IS seeking advice on how to expand its dedicated TV channel, which was launched in pilot form last year.
Oireachtas TV currently broadcasts live Dáil proceedings as well as some Seanad debates and committee meetings on UPC channel 801.
But the Houses are now looking for expert advice on how to establish a more permanent parliamentary channel.
A tender placed on the Government services site states that the first step would be to look at options and opportunities for a new channel, and put together a business plan.
If this proved successful, the Oireachtas would then set out to find an operator to manage the channel.
A spokesperson for the Oireachtas played down the tender, saying it was simply a way of exploring options for the parliament’s media operations.
He said nobody would be engaged as a consultant unless it came at a minimal cost.
The pilot Oireachtas TV project was strongly backed by Ceann Comhairle Seán Barrett, who said it could help improve public access to the parliament and democratic process.
“I am excited by the prospect and possibilities of this project and hope that the public will use this facility to follow the work of the Houses of the Oireachtas,” he said at the time.
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