Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 November 2016
243. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the steps his Department has taken to attract television broadcasters here under EU country of origin rules in view of the British decision to exit the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36782/16]
View answerThe Audiovisual Media Services Directive is based upon the country of origin principle which means that TV broadcasters who obtain regulatory clearance in one Member State can make their services available in all Member States, without having to obtain separate regulatory clearances.
A large number of broadcasters who have established their businesses in the UK, have obtained regulatory clearance there, and are making their services available in other Member States, including Ireland.
Following the British decision to exit the EU, the continued longer-term application of the country of origin principle to UK-based broadcasters has come under question. It is not possible at this stage, however, to determine what the outcome of that decision will mean for UK-based broadcasters as this will depend on the nature of the EU-UK relationship that emerges following negotiations.
As with other Government departments, the immediate focus of my Department is on seeking to identify the risks and opportunities that may emerge as a result of Brexit and to develop appropriate strategies for these.
