Governing Acts
As a public service body, the BCI is governed by various Acts, which give us our remit. Below is a brief overview of the main pieces of legislation which govern the BCI's activities:
Radio and Television Act, 1988
In June 1988 the Oireachtas enacted the Radio and Television Act, 1988, which provided for the establishment of the Independent Radio and Television Commission (IRTC). In October 1988, Minister for Communication, Ray Burke TD, formally established the Commission. The key role of the IRTC was set out in the 1988 Act, which stated that it shall be the function of the Commission to arrange for the provision of sound broadcasting services (including a national sound broadcasting service) and one television programme service additional to any broadcasting services provided by Radio Teilefís Éireann. Other parts of the Act gave the IRTC the authority and powers necessary to ensure the development of the independent radio and television sector in this State.
Take me to the Radio and Television Act, 1988 (pdf 104kb)
Broadcasting Act, 2001
In September 2001, the Broadcasting Act, 2001 became law and changed the name of the organisation from the IRTC to the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI). The Act was introduced by the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, Ms. Síle de Valera, and gave the BCI significantly enhanced powers. These included the development of codes and rules on programming and advertising for all broadcasters and the licensing of additional television services on digital, cable, MMD and satellite systems.
Take me to the Broadcasting Act, 2001 (pdf 194kb)
Other additional functions can be found in the about us section of the site.
Broadcasting (Funding) Act, 2003
The Broadcasting (Funding) Act 2003 was enacted on December 23rd 2003, and assigns responsibility to the BCI to develop and administer funding scheme(s) to support new television and radio programmes.
The core objective of the Broadcasting Funding Scheme is to increase public access at national, local and community level to high-quality radio and television programmes in English and Irish which explore the themes of Irish culture, heritage and experience, in contemporary or historic contexts.
The Broadcasting (Funding) Scheme will be financed through an annual allocation of 5% of net revenue from television licence fees and will initially run for three years. The fund is open to radio and television broadcasters and to independent production companies and the first phase will be launched in early 2005.
Take me to the Broadcasting (Funding) Act, 2003 (pdf 322kb)
Freedom of Information Act, 1997
As a public service body, records held by the BCI may be accessed under the Freedom of Information Act, 1997. The Act establishes three statutory rights:
- a legal right for each person to access information held by public bodies;
- a legal right for each person to have official information relating to him/herself amended when it is incomplete, incorrect or misleading; and
- a legal right to obtain reasons for decisions affecting oneself.
A reference book has been prepared by the BCI to facilitate access to official information held by the Commission. The booklet provides information on:
- the structure and functions of the BCI;
- details of the services it provides and how they may be availed of;
- information on the classes of records it holds;
- details of the rules, procedures, practices, guidelines and interpretations used by the Commission for the purpose of certain decisions, determinations and
- recommendations and information on how to make a request to the Commission under the Freedom of Information Act, 1997 & Freedom of Information (Amendment) Act 2003.
- Take me to the Freedom of Information Act, 1997
- Take me to the Freedom of Information (Amendment) Act, 2003
- Take me to the Freedom of Information Information booklet