Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 154: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he intends to make provision for broadcasting the Ryder Cup as part of one of the events designated in 2006 under the Broadcasting (Major Events Television Coverage) Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20113/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Broadcasting (Major Events Television Coverage) Act 1999 (Designation of Major Events) Order 2003, designates a range of sporting events as events of major importance to society which should, in the public interest, continue to be made available on Irish free-to-air television services.

The purpose of designation is to prevent certain events that have traditionally been available on free-to-air television services from migrating to subscription or pay-per-view services on an exclusive basis.

The Broadcasting (Major Events Television Coverage) (Amendment) Act 2003 was enacted to strengthen the provisions of the 1999 Act to ensure that the events included in the designation order will continue to be made available to qualifying broadcasters in Ireland. Section 9 of the 2003 Act provides that I shall carry out a review of designated events not later than three years after the passing of the 2003 Act. Accordingly, a review must be undertaken not later than April 2006. Before designating any event the legislation requires that I must first consult with the Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism, along with the event organisers, free-to-air broadcasters and the public. EU approval is also required.

I am conscious that the 2006 Ryder Cup is an event in which there will be much interest in Ireland and would be likely to be considered by any formal review of the list of designated events. I will take this into account when determining the timing of the review.