Broadcasting Legislation.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 November 2004

Wednesday, 17 November 2004

Questions (190)

Michael Lowry

Question:

230 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on whether the 1 November start date for Christmas advertising for children is too early, as set out in the children’s advertising code issued by the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland; if, in view of the extreme financial pressures faced by parents at Christmas, he will review the code with a view to asking the BCI to amend the earliest possible advertising start date to 1 December; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29104/04]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

Section 19(1)(c) of the Broadcasting Act 2001, provides that the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland, BCI, prepare a code specifying standards to be complied with, and rules and practices to be observed, in respect of advertising which relate to matters likely to be of direct or indirect interest to children.

The BCI has published a children's advertising code, which will come into effect on 1 January 2005. Section 10 of the Act provides that the BCI review the effect of the code after three years and prepare a report in regard to that review and present it to me.

The drafting, monitoring and review of the code, are functions which the Oireachtas has provided the BCI with statutory responsibility for and in respect of which I have no role.