Michael Colreavy
Question:579. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the obligation for broadcasters to use the Irish language in their services. [46148/14]
View answerTuesday, 2 December 2014
Questions (579)
Written answers
The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) is the independent Regulator responsible for the oversight of the broadcasting sector. Section 25 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 provides that the BAI and its statutory committees, in performing their functions, shall endeavour to ensure that the number and categories of broadcasting services made available in the State best serve the needs of the Irish people bearing in mind their languages and traditions and their cultural diversity. The Contract Awards Committee of the BAI makes arrangements to invite, consider and recommend to the Authority proposals for the provision of broadcasting services additional to the existing broadcasting services provided in the State.
In relation to Broadcasting Services provided in accordance with Sections 70, 71 or 72 of the Broadcasting Act, each contract holder makes specific programme commitments as part of its contract negotiations and these commitments are included as part of the contract agreed with the BAI. These commitments may include undertakings in relation to the Irish Language. TV3, operating under Section 70, must also "have special regard for the elements which distinguish that culture and in particular for the Irish language" in accordance with its statutory objects.
Section 24 of the Act states that the Authority and its statutory committees shall be independent in the performance of their functions.
A dedicated independent public service Irish language channel, TG4, is provided for in the State and has been established since 1996. Section 118(1) of the Broadcasting Act 2009 outlines the objects of TG4 and Section 118(3) provides that TG4 shall ensure that its programme schedules are primarily in the Irish language. In this regard, Section 120 of the 2009 Act also provides that RTÉ shall provide to TG4 programme material in the Irish language that will be the equivalent of one hour of daily programming throughout the calendar year.
Both TG4 and RTÉ are reviewed on an annual basis by the Authority on the extent to which they are meeting and fulfilling their commitments in respect of their public service objects including their commitments in respect of the Irish language.
In addition, both RTÉ and TG4 report to the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht on their commitments under the 20 Year Strategy for the Irish Language.