Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 494: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the nature of the compliant made to the EU that 30% of air-play could not be granted to Irish musicians on the basis that it would discriminate against European musicians; the person who made this complaint; if he could outline the appropriate EU legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36515/10]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The objects of our national public services broadcasters, RTÉ and TG4, are set out in the Broadcasting Act 2009. In pursuit of those objects RTÉ and TG4 are charged, inter alia, with ensuring that programmes reflect the varied elements, which make up the culture of the people of Ireland and facilitate or assist contemporary cultural expression. Radio and television services, additional to those provided for by the national public services broadcasters aforementioned, are matters for the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) an independent statutory body. Matters in relation to Irish music content on commercial radio are the subject of contractual negotiations between the BAI and commercial radio operators.

I understand that during the mid-1990s, the regulator attempted to introduce a policy whereby 30% of music played by commercial radio stations would be by Irish artists but was informed by the Commission that the policy would be in breach of EU regulations.

While I am fully committed to promoting Irish music in our broadcasting services, consistent with EU and Irish regulatory structures, I do not propose to introduce measures of the type raised by the Deputy as they would be inconsistent with EU law.