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Designation of major events.
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2.—(1) The Minister may by order—
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(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
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(b) determine whether coverage on free television services of an event designated under paragraph (a) should be available—
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(i) on a live, deferred or both live and deferred basis, and
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(ii) in whole, in part or both in whole and in part.
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(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):
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(a) the extent to which the event has a special general resonance for the people of Ireland;
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(b) the extent to which the event has a generally recognised distinct cultural importance for the people of Ireland.
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(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:
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(a) whether the event involves participation by a national or non-national team or by Irish persons;
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(b) past practice or experience with regard to television coverage of the event or similar events.
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(4) The Minister shall consider the following in making the determination under subsection (1)(b):
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(a) the nature of the event;
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(b) the time within the State at which the event takes place;
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(c) practical broadcasting considerations.
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(5) The Minister may by order revoke or amend an order under this section.
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(6) The Minister shall consult with the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation before making, revoking or amending an order under this section.
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(7) 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.
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