Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 333: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide an update on the report from an independent consultant into free to air rugby matches; the timeframe for the publication of this report; if there will be a penalty imposed for the late delivery of this report; when he expects to make a decision on this issue; the cost of this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42439/10]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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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 were commissioned to do this report and I can confirm that the report has been submitted to my Department. The value of the contract is €73,387.

The report was delivered yesterday in accordance with the timelines agreed between Indecon and my Department as the process progressed and these timelines reflected the need to ensure that relevant rights-holders were given the opportunity to present their cases fully during the process. The question of a late delivery penalty, therefore, does not arise.

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.

I confirm that I propose to publish all the submissions and the final report at the end of the process, subject to the usual considerations including, inter alia, protection of commercially confidential information that has been made available to me.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 334: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of meetings he has had with the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland and or national or local radio interests in the past three and a half years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42484/10]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I have met with the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland on numerous occasions since its establishment under the Broadcasting Act 2009. Prior to that I also met with the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland. I meet regularly with national and local radio interests as part of my ministerial responsibilities.