Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 98: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has completed the review of the submissions he received regarding the televising of the Ryder Cup free to air; if he will ensure that same will be available directly to RTE viewers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7510/06]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 99: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he intends to amend the Broadcasting (Major Events Coverage) Act 1999 (Designation of Major Events) Order 2003 to include the Ryder Cup and the European Rugby Union Cup in the schedule of events free to air; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7511/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 98 and 99 together.

In December 2005 I announced my intention to commence a review of designated events under section 9 of the Broadcasting (Major Events Television Coverage) (Amendment) Act 2003. The purpose of the review is to consider whether the list of events designated in 2003 should be amended. As part of the review I initiated a public consultation process. My Department also wrote to sporting organisations and broadcasters. I have received submissions from event organisers, broadcasters and members of the public via written submission, e-mail and on an Internet forum. A report on the review is being prepared in my Department and I intend to complete the review shortly.

If, following the review, I 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.

The designation of events as events of major importance to society provides a right of access to qualifying broadcasters, that is, broadcasters who provide near universal coverage, to provide coverage of a designated event on free television services subject to normal commercial considerations for broadcasting rights.