Máire Hoctor (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
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Question 241: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans in view of the ERC proposal to only make European cup rugby matches available on a premium subscription in 2006-2007 season, and to thereby restrict viewing of these matches, which are of national interest, to subscribers. [4480/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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The television without frontiers directive provides that member states of the European Communities may designate certain sporting and cultural events as being of major importance to society and that events so designated should continue to be available on a free television service.

In March 2003 the Broadcasting (Major Events Television Coverage) Act 1999 (Designation of Major Events) Order 2003 specified the events designated as events of major importance to society for which the right of a qualifying broadcaster to provide coverage on free television services should be provided in the public interest. Section 9 of the Broadcasting (Major Events Television Coverage) (Amendment) Act 2003 requires me to carry out a review of designated events not later than three years after the passing of the 2003 Act, that is to say, not later than April 2006.

I announced my intention to commence this review in December 2005. The purpose of the review is to consider if the list of events designated in 2003 should be amended. As part of the review I initiated a public consultation process. The closing date for submissions was 27 January. A report on the consultation process is now being prepared in my Department.

If, following the review, I should decide to amend the list of designated events, then, in accordance with the provisions of the Broadcasting (Major Events Television Coverage) Act 1999, I will publish my intention to do so and seek the views of interested parties. This would involve a further formal consultation with event organisers and broadcasters. EU approval would also be required before I could lay an order before both Houses of the Oireachtas to give effect to the designation.