Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Mar 1993

Vol. 428 No. 1

Written Answers. - Cable TV Transmissions.

Liz McManus

Question:

404 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if he has satisfied himself that the existing regulatory framework controlling the content of cable services is adequate; his views on whether the proliferation of European pornographic channels might warrant new statutory powers and arrangements to enable control to be exercised if they are relayed on cable systems; if he will initiate a new study of these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications (Mr. Cowen)

I am satisfied that, under the provisions of Statutory Instrument No. 252 of 1991, I have adequate powers to suspend the retransmission on cable of broadcasts from other EC member states in the event of manifest, serious, grave or repeated breaches by such broadcasts of Article 22 of the EC Broadcasting Directive, Directive 89/552/EEC of 3 October 1989. Article 22 provides, inter alia, that member states shall take the appropriate measures to ensure that television broadcasters under their jurisdiction do not include programmes which might seriously impair the physical, mental or moral development of minors, in particular those that involve pornography or gratuitous violence.