Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 November 2017
402. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to appoint a television regulator (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47940/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has an independent regulator for broadcasting. The Broadcasting Act 2009 provided for the establishment of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) as the independent regulator. The BAI assumed the key roles of the former Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI) and the Broadcasting Complaints Commission (BCC).
The BAI comprises an Authority and two statutory committees dealing with Compliance and Contract Awards. The BAI's mission is to ensure a competitive, sustainable, high quality broadcasting sector in Ireland offering diversity of choice. The Authority regulates the public and commercial broadcasting sectors.
Some of the areas covered by the BAI’s remit include:
- Enforcement, including the power to apply to the courts to impose financial sanctions on broadcasters up to a maximum sanction of €250,000 for serious or repeated breaches of broadcasting standards.
- Licensing of broadcasting services.
- Consumer protection, including the promotion of media literacy; providing information on the availability of digital television services; preparing codes and rules including those relating to advertising, children’s advertising, etc.
- Oversight of public service broadcasting, including requirements to review RTÉ and TG4's performance and making recommendation on their funding.
Further information about BAI role and functions can be found on its website at www.bai.ie or by contacting their offices at 2-5 Warrington Place, Dublin 2 D02 XP29 Tel 01 6441200.
