Vol. 503 No. 6
226 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the plans, if any, she has to achieve the recommendation for the subtitling of 50 per cent of television programmes as stated in the Commission for the Status of People with Disabilities 1995 Report Strategy for Equality; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10916/99]
Under current broadcasting legislation, subtitling of programmes is a matter for broadcasters. As I have indicated in earlier replies, the forthcoming Broadcasting Bill, which I hope to publish very shortly, will provide additional powers for the Independent Radio and Television Commission, including a power to set guidelines and targets for broadcasters in relation to providing on-air assistance to promote the understanding and enjoyment of programmes by persons who are deaf or hard of hearing and persons who are blind or partially sighted.
