Vol. 560 No. 1
119 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has received a response from the European Commission to the list submitted of events to be designated as events of major importance to be generally available on television; when he intends to bring the appropriate order before the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1812/03]
On 7 November 2002, the European Commission was formally notified of the events which Ireland proposes to designate as events of major importance to society under Article 3a of the television without frontiers directive. Under that directive, the Commission must verify that the measures proposed are compatible with EU law, communicate them to other member states and seek the opinion of the contact committee established under Article 23a of the directive.
A meeting of the contact committee, which is chaired by the Commission and includes representatives from all member states, will take place tomorrow. Among the items to be discussed at that meeting are Ireland's proposals on Article 3a. My Department will be represented at that meeting. Provided the contact committee and the European Union raise no objections to Ireland's proposals, I intend at an early date to bring before each House of the Oireachtas a draft order designating the listed events.
Can we take it that the list of key sporting events are home and away championship games, the European football championships – like many other citizens, I am pleased we have such a distinguished new football manager, Mr. Brian Kerr – the World Cup, All Ireland senior hurling and football finals, the Derby, the Grand National and possibly the Six Nations Cup? Will these vital events, about which all sides in this House felt very strongly six or eight months ago, be broadcast by the national broadcaster on terrestrial television?
If the contact committee approves the list tomorrow – we have not heard anything to the contrary – the Commission will publish the Irish list in the EU journal and it will write to each permanent representation confirming the list is compatible with EU law. I must then kick in with the legislative requirements in relation to the draft order before each House. It will then be a matter of what matches are included under the designation. As far as we and the Attorney General are concerned it will cover the events included in the proposed list which has been sent to the Commission.
The European Parliament is considering a new directive on the concentration of media ownership, including cross-ownership of local radio, newspapers and television networks in this country in relation to VCI decisions and so on, some of which are sub judice. Has the Irish Government made any input into the debate at Commission level in relation to concentrations of media ownership?
The Deputy is correct in saying that we are continuing to make an input. I hope I will be Minister this time next year when Ireland holds the Presidency. This is an issue which I hope to take up in the review of the television without frontiers directive. It is necessary to have a review in regard to that directive to, in effect, deal with matters about which many member states are somewhat uneasy. This will be very much an issue on my agenda next year if I continue as Minister.
