Communications Minister Eamon Ryan has announced that he is extending the deadline for receipt of submissions from interested parties and members of the public of Free to Air proposals as something of major importance to society. The deadline is being extended by one month and final date for receipt of submissions will now be 4th July 2010.
The Audio Visual Media Services Directive and Broadcasting Act provides that EU member states may designate certain sporting and cultural events in order to make them available on free television.
The proposed additional events are:
- Gaelic Games - Provincial Finals in the Senior Football and Hurling Championships
- All Ireland Championship Senior Football and Hurling Quarter finals and Semi finals
- Rugby - Ireland’s games in the Six Nations Rugby Football Championship (move from deferred to live basis)
- European Rugby Cup (qualifiers - pre quarter final stages - quarter finals, semi finals and final when an Irish team is participating) live
- Horse Racing - The Cheltenham Festival
Minister Ryan said, “I believe these events are part of what we are and should be available to all Irish viewers on a free-to-air basis.
“Some sporting and broadcasting organisations have raised concerns. Extending the deadline will allow organisations more time to make submissions. All submissions received will be carefully considered in order to assess the potential implications of any proposed designation.”
More information is available here.
