Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 85: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide an update regarding free to air rugby; when the consultants report will be completed; the full cost of that report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37807/10]

Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 101: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the report of the independent consultant to advise on the submissions received in relation to free to air broadcasting; and the cost of said consultancy and when decisions are likely to be made on the issue. [37670/10]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 85 and 101 together.

The Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMS) provides that Member States of the European Union may designate sporting and cultural events of major importance to society as free-to-air. The Broadcasting Act 2009, having transposed the AVMS Directive, sets down the statutory process for designating events free-to-air.

On 30th April last I set out proposals for a limited extension of the sporting events which are designated free-to-air and invited submissions on those proposals. I also decided that the final decision on this matter will be informed by an independent analysis of the financial and other impacts of listing each event. Indecon International Consultants have been commissioned to do this report and are currently finalising the report for me in this matter. I expect that this report will be delivered to me before the end of the month. The value of the contract is €73,387.

After consideration of the Indecon report and other submissions received I will revert to Government with definitive proposals. Subsequent to Government consideration of the matter I am required under the AVMS Directive to inform the EU Commission of any changes to the events to be designated. The Commission has a period of three months to verify that the list is compatible with Community Law, to notify other Member States and to seek the opinion of the Committee established pursuant to the Directive. Any designation will only be effective after the Commission has published the list in the Official Journal.