Section 19(1) of the Broadcasting Act, 2001, provides that the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland, BCI, shall, upon being directed by me to do so, prepare a code of standards to be complied with and rules and practices to be observed in respect of advertising matters likely to be of direct or indirect interest to children on any broadcasting service or sound broadcasting service.
The Broadcasting Act, 2001, came into effect on 1 September last. Arrangements are being finalised at present to provide the BCI with the necessary resources, including staffing, to allow it undertake its new and expanded role. It is my intention to issue a direction to the BCI under Section 19(1) of the Broadcasting Act, 2001, as soon as I am satisfied that the BCI has the necessary resources in place to deal with this important piece of work.