Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 Feb 2002

Vol. 548 No. 2

Written Answers. - Broadcasting Regulations.

John Dennehy

Question:

349 Mr. Dennehy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if she has satisfied herself that current legislative safeguards are adequate to ensure that popular major sporting events continue to be available on terrestrial television and not exclusively on satellite or digital channels; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4751/02]

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

The Television Without Frontiers Directive, as amended by EU Council Directive 97/36/EC, provides that member states may designate certain sporting and cultural events as being of major importance to society and take steps to ensure that events so designated are available on free-to-air television services.

The directive places an obligation on member states to provide in national legislation the statutory basis for the designation of events as being of major importance to society and which should be available on free-to-air television services. Ireland's obligation under the directive was fulfilled through legislation promoted by me, that is, the Broadcasting (Major Events Television Coverage) Act, 1999.

Under that legislation, I have the power to designate a list of events which should in the public interest be available on free-to-air television. In drawing up such a list I am obliged by the Act to consult with the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation. In addition, I must consult with the organisers of the events and with broadcasters who are under the jurisdiction of the State. This in turn must be followed by a wider public consultation process in respect of any event that I intend to designate. It is only then that a draft order designating an event or events can be brought before the Oireachtas for approval. Any list drawn up must be compatible with EU law.

My Department has engaged in consultation with the Department of Tourism, Sport and Recreation on the question of drawing up a list of events to be designated and a consultation process with the major sporting organisations in this country has taken place. It is very clear from the consultation process that the drawing up of a list of events is a very complex matter. Some sporting organisations have argued against designation of the major events they organise on the basis that designation could impact negatively on their finances and consequently on the development of the games, particularly at club level. The possible negative impact of designation on sporting organisations has to be considered and balanced with the public interest of certain events being available on free-to-air television.

The issues involved are complex but are being addressed in an appropriate, consultative and democratic manner. Consultation with the sporting organisation and with the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation is ongoing. When these consultations are concluded then I will be in a position to make a decision regarding a list of events.

The complexity of the issue is actually evidenced by the position that pertains in relation to the Irelandversus England game on Saturday next. That game which is a home game for the England team will not be shown live on free-to-air television in England despite the British Government having actually designated a list of events. The game is included in the B list of events designated by the British Government and only events on the A list must be available for live coverage on free-to-air television.