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Draft Access Rules contain binding targets for Irish Sign Language, Subtitling and Audio Description services
Coimisiún na Meán has today (18.07.2024) launched a public consultation on draft Access Rules for Television Broadcasters. The revised Rules contain updated binding targets for Irish Sign Language, Subtitling and Audio Description services and are aimed at improving the accessibility of programming for people with disabilities. Once finalised, the Access Rules will apply to television broadcasters based in Ireland.
Included in the draft Access Rules for consultation are best-practice Standards which require broadcasters to ensure that Irish Sign Language, Subtitling and Audio Description services are produced to a high quality.
Rónán Ó Domhnaill, Media Development Commissioner at Coimisiún na Meán said: “Ensuring that Ireland’s media landscape meets the highest standards of accessibility is a key priority for Coimisiún na Meán. Once finalised, the revised Access Rules for Television Broadcasters will set updated binding targets for the accessibility of services and will provide Standards for broadcasters to achieve in making sure that their programming is accessible. Coimisiún na Meán is dedicated to enriching Ireland’s media landscape, including guaranteeing that programming is developed to be inclusive and accessible to every member of the audience.’’
The draft Access Rules also provide for members of the public to complain to Coimisiún na Meán about any potential non-compliance by broadcasters with the Rules. The public consultation will run from 18 July to 19 August.
As part of the consultations, Coimisiún na Meán will facilitate meetings with Disabled Persons Representative Organisations (DPROs), individuals who use Subtitling, Irish Sign Language and Audio Description services and other organisations representing the interests of access users. This approach will ensure that those who will benefit most from the Access Rules and their representatives are consulted with in advance of the Rules being finalised.
• Draft Access Rules for Television Broadcasters (Word)
• Draft Access Rules for Television Broadcasters (PDF)
• Draft Access Rules for Television (ISL)
• Public Consultation on Access Rules (Word)
• Public Consultation on Access Rules (PDF)
• Public Consultation on Access Rules (ISL)
• Public Consultation on Access Rules Form (Word)