Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 19 Nov 2002

Vol. 557 No. 4

Written Answers. - Broadcasting Legislation.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

119 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources in regard to his decision announced on 15 October 2002 regarding the list of events to be designated as events of major importance to be generally available on television, the reason, in regard to Gaelic games only the senior hurling and football finals have been designated; the reason Ireland's games in the Rugby Six Nations Championships have been designated on a deferred basis; when he intends to bring the necessary order before Dáil Éireann; when he intends to submit the list to the European Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22331/02]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. D. Ahern)

The list of sporting events, which I intend to designate as events of major importance to society and which should continue to be made available on free television services, was prepared on the basis of the criteria set out in the Broadcasting (Major Events Television Coverage) Act, 1999, and following an extensive consultation process involving the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, broadcasters, sporting organisations and the general public. The reasons these events were selected for designation on a live or deferred basis is set out in a report prepared by my Department. A copy of that report is available on my Department's website. I have arranged for a copy to be sent to the Deputy.

Pursuant to Article 3a of the Television Without Frontiers Directive, Ireland formally notified the EU Commission on 7 November 2002 of the measures Ireland proposes to take with regard to the designation of events under the directive.

It is my intention to secure confirmation from the EU Commission that the proposed designations are compatible with Community law before bringing the Order designating the events before the Houses of the Oireachtas. Under the directive the Commission has a period of up to three months to give its opinion. Accordingly I would expect to be in a position to bring the matter before the Oireachtas very early next year.