Broadcasting Act 2009
Designation of major events. |
162.— (1) The Minister may by order— | |
(a) designate events as events of major importance to society for which the right of a qualifying broadcaster to provide coverage on free television services should be provided in the public interest, and | ||
(b) determine whether coverage on free television services of an event designated under paragraph (a) should be available— | ||
(i) on a live, deferred or both live and deferred basis, and | ||
(ii) in whole, in part or both in whole and in part. | ||
(2) The Minister shall have regard to all the circumstances and in particular each of the following criteria in making a designation under subsection (1) (a): | ||
(a) the extent to which the event has a special general resonance for the people of Ireland, and | ||
(b) the extent to which the event has a generally recognised distinct cultural importance for the people of Ireland. | ||
(3) In order to determine the extent to which the criteria in subsection (2) have been met, the following factors may be taken into account by the Minister: | ||
(a) whether the event involves participation by a national or non-national team or by Irish persons; | ||
(b) past practice or experience with regard to television coverage of the event or similar events. | ||
(4) The Minister shall consider the following in making the determination under subsection (1) (b): | ||
(a) the nature of the event, | ||
(b) the time within the State at which the event takes place, and | ||
(c) practical broadcasting considerations. | ||
(5) The Minister shall consult with the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism before making, revoking or amending an order under this section. | ||
(6) Where it is proposed to make, revoke or amend an order under this section, a draft of the order shall be laid before each House of the Oireachtas and the order shall not be made until a resolution approving the draft has been passed by each House. | ||
(7) On the passing of this Act any order made under section 2 of the Broadcasting (Major Events Television Coverage) Act 1999 which is in force on such passing continues and is deemed to have been made under this section. |