An Oireachtas television channel is to air in September which will coincide with the Dáil's return from its summer recess.

Housesholds with UPC, Sky or Eircom available will be able to watch Dáil, Seanad and Oireachtas committee proceedings, as well as the banking inquiry when it begins public hearings.

An Oireachtas spokesman said channel production and presentation would cost some €200,000 annually, with distribution costing €250,000, which was the discounted fee for access to Sky.

Dáil approval The spokesman said it would be a “

no-frills, low-cost” TV, with no presenters but instead live captioning explaining who was speaking, the background to what was being debated and other information.

“It is important that the Irish public should be aware of the workings of their parliament through every possible media outlet,” said Ceann Comhairle Sean Barrett.