Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 7 Oct 2003

Vol. 571 No. 4

Written Answers. - Television Broadcasting.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

161 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position in regard to his discussions with the EU on proposals to regulate foreign television stations broadcasting into Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22060/03]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. D. Ahern)

In January 2003 the European Commission set out a work programme for its review of the television without frontiers directive. The work programme included an invitation from the Commission to all interested parties to make submissions to the Commission by 15 July 2003, based on a series of documents published on the Commission's website.

Following a consultation with interested parties in the Irish television market, Ireland made a detailed submission to the Commission. A copy of the submission has been forwarded to Deputy O'Sullivan. One of the key issues addressed in Ireland's submission relates to the impact of sat ellite television broadcasting services that are regulated in one member state, but intended for reception primarily in another member state.

Ireland has suggested that the directive should be amended to ensure that a broadcasting service originating in one member state, but intended primarily for reception in another member state, should be subject to the broadcasting standards of the member state at which it is primarily directed. In an Irish context, it is reasonable to expect that Irish broadcasting standards should be applied to television channels intended primarily for reception in Ireland.

Based on the results of the consultation process the Commission will publish a communication on the future of audio-visual policy together with proposals to amend the directive if appropriate. The Commission expects to publish the communication in late 2003 or early 2004.