Pat Cox
Question:29 Mr. Cox asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the discussions that he has had with his European counterparts in relation to the control of satellite television.
Written Answers. - Control of Satellite Television.
Council Directive 89/552 of 3 October, 1989, which came into effect on 3 October, 1991, lays down certain requirements in relation to broadcasts transmitted across frontiers by various technologies, including satellites. The onus of compliance with the terms of the directive rests with the member states where the broadcast or satellite uplinking originates.
I have taken the opportunity at informal and formal meetings of my fellow Ministers for Culture in the EC, and the Ministers for Broadcasting, to initiate discussions on the implication of the developments in satellite, cable and related fields.
The Directive falls due for review by the Commission next year. I will expect to have discussions with my European colleagues in the light of the Commission's report and any proposals the Commission may make to adapt it to developments in the field of television broadcasting.