Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2013
784. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the implications for sports broadcasting here as a result of a recent court case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37347/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt a European level, the Audiovisual Media Services Directive provides that Member States may designate sporting and cultural events of major importance to society as free-to-air. At national level, the Broadcasting Act 2009 sets out the statutory process for designating events as free-to-air in this jurisdiction. The recent decision of the Court of Justice, concerning an appeal by UEFA and FIFA over events listed as being of major importance in Belgium and the UK, does not affect the current list of sports events designated for coverage on free-to-air television in Ireland. Under the 2009 Act, I, as Minister, am obliged to review the list of designated events every three years and it is my intention to conduct such a review in due course. In line with the current legislative provisions, this would involve a period of public consultation to which interested parties could contribute.
Any proposals to amend the current list of designated events in the course of such a review would be required to take account of the European and national legislative context for designation and judicial decisions in this area, including the recent decision by the ECJ.
