Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 201: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if it is possible to allow bodies such as a company (details supplied) to place broadcast advertisements within a code of reasonable practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37754/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Section 20(4) of the Broadcasting Authority Act 1960 (as qualified by section 65 of the Broadcasting Act 2001) and section 10(3) of the Radio and Television Act 1988 provide that broadcasters cannot accept advertisements that are directed towards any religious or political end or have any relation to an industrial dispute.

The prohibition on religious advertising does not prevent advertisements, which provide information about a religious magazine or periodical being available for sale, or about a religious event or ceremony taking place. The prohibition does not extend to religious broadcasting; sections 28 and 45 of the Broadcasting Act 2001 explicitly require RTÉ and TG4 to carry religious programming.

The Deputy will be aware that in 2004, the prohibition on religious advertising on radio and television was retained following a lengthy consultation during which over 150 submissions from the public were received by my Department. There was a strong argument that religious interests should not be able to buy air-time to deliver an unchallenged message, that a message which, other interests, through lack of resources, might not be able to match or counter.

Section 41 of the Broadcasting Bill continues the prohibition on religious advertising but does so in a less restrictive manner. The provision focuses on advertisements that address the issue of the merits or otherwise of adhering to any religious faith or belief or of becoming a member of any religion or religious organisation, as opposed to the existing restriction which relates to advertisements directed towards a religious end. The section also continues the clarification that permits advertisements which provide information about a religious magazine or periodical being available for sale, or about a religious event or ceremony taking place. A number of Deputies have raised the issue of religious advertising during the course of the second stage debate on the Bill. I propose to consider the issues raised by the deputies in advance of committee stage.