Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 6 Mar 2001

Vol. 532 No. 1

Written Answers. - Subtitled Programmes.

Michael Ring

Question:

276 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if she has any proposals to introduce legislation to allow for subtitles on Irish television stations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6808/01]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera):

As I said in my reply to Question No. 193 from Deputy Bruton on 28 February 2001, the Broadcasting Bill, 1999, will, when enacted, under section 19, require the proposed Broadcasting Commission of Ireland to make rules requiring each broadcaster to take specified steps to promote the understanding and enjoyment by persons who are hard of hearing and persons who are blind or partially sighted of programmes transmitted on any broadcasting service. The section provides that the commission may set targets to ensure that a specified percentage of programmes use a specified means of promoting the understanding and enjoyment of programmes by such persons. The section also provides for consultation by the commission in drawing up such rules.

This is the first time that the rights of persons with such disabilities are expressly recognised in broadcasting legislation. It will be a matter for the commission, in consultation with interested parties, to decide the way forward.

During the course of the debate on the Bill, I undertook to make known to the Independent Radio and Television Commission the strength of feeling and the sense of urgency expressed in relation to the preparation of these rules. I have since written to the commission and asked it, when carrying out its new functions provided for in section 19 of the Bill, to be mindful of the strong views of the Oireachtas regarding the need and the urgency of the need for such rules.