Vol. 556 No. 3
451 Mr. O'Connor asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will report on his recent dealings with the national sporting organisations with regard to the clear need to make all major sporting events available on terrestrial television stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20193/02]
On 15 October 2002, following Government approval, I published a list of events which I intend to designate under section 2 of the Broadcasting (Major Events Television Coverage) Act, 1999, as events of major importance to society and to which the right of a qualifying broadcaster to provide coverage on free television services should be provided in the public interest. The list was prepared following consultation with broadcasters, sports event organisers and the general public in accordance with the provisions of the 1999 Act.
The Act also requires that a draft of the order designating the events must be laid before each House of the Oireachtas and a motion approving that order must be agreed by each House before the order can be formally made. In addition, under Article 3a of the Television Without Frontiers Directive, Ireland is obliged to notify the European Commission of the measures Ireland intends to take in this regard with a view to the Commission verifying that the measures are compatible with Community law. I hope to complete the designation process at the earliest possible date.
