Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 29 May 2001

Vol. 537 No. 2

Written Answers. - Television Subtitling.

Pat Rabbitte

Ceist:

63 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if she has received an undertaking from the Independent Radio and Television Commission regarding the subtitling of television programmes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15742/01]

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

84 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the position in relation to the subtitling of television programmes; her views and those of the Independent Radio and Television Commission on the issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15648/01]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 63 and 84 together.

I refer the Deputies to my letter circulated to all Deputies and Senators on 1 May 2001 enclosing a copy of a letter I received from the Independent Radio and Television Commission in response to a letter I sent to the commission outlining the strong views of the Oireachtas regarding the preparation of the new rules requiring broadcasters to take specified steps to promote the enjoyment and understanding of programmes by the deaf and hard of hearing.

Under the terms of the Broadcasting Act, 2001, the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland will be responsible for preparing such rules following an extensive consultation process. The Independent Radio and Television Commission, which will be renamed the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland under the Act, is independent in its functions and I have no statutory responsibility for its views.