RTÉ promises home-grown shows for autumn

RTÉ said today it planned to broadcast more than 1,400 hours of home-grown productions in its autumn schedule.

The State broadcaster said it plans a mix of drama, documentary and news coverage for the schedule.

New drama for the network includes Pure Mule, set in a contemporary midlands market town, and The Last Furlong, a comedy drama series featuring a Portugese singer/songwriter searching for the truth about his father.

As part of its factual programming list, RTÉ will screen The Asylum, an observational series set inside St Ita's mental institution in Portrane. No Place Like Homewill look at the birthplace and lives of newly arrived immigrants in Ireland, while new series The Mentorwill help eight Irish businesses facing commercial challenges, linking them up with two mentors who will offer advice to the companies based on their own experiences.

The Late Late Showand Tubridy Tonightwill be returning to television screens, along with Killinaskully, The Clinic, The Health Squadand Prime Time Investigates.

Sports fans will be happy to see the Champions League and Premiership games return to RTÉ, along with Heineken Cup Rugby and Gaelic Games.

RTÉ has also secured the rights to the network television premiere of films such as Chicago, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, and Pirates of the Caribbean.

In 2006, the broadcaster will be buying in programmes such as Desperate Housewives, Lost, The West Wingand 24.