Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has urged an end to the blocking of Irish television content for viewers in Northern Ireland, saying a practical solution is now required. She has raised the issue with both the British and Irish governments after asking Ofcom to analyse the problem and examine possible remedies.

Ofcom's analysis indicated a growing risk of geo-blocking in Northern Ireland as audiences continue to move from terrestrial broadcasts to online and streaming platforms.

Dr Archibald also met recently in Belfast with Sir Ian Cheshire, the newly appointed Chair of the Ofcom Board, to press for ongoing engagement on the issue. Dr Archibald said: "The geo-blocking of RTE content in the north is completely unacceptable and must be brought to an end.

"I have written again to the British and Irish governments to seek their engagement and cooperation on resolving this issue once and for all.

"As a first step, I have asked the governments to review the objectives of the 2010 Memorandum of Understanding on digital television services and for their further engagement on the issue.

"It is unacceptable that there is a risk of increased geo-blocking for the north as viewing habits evolve. This is a deeply unfair practice that detrimentally impacts audiences here. It is time to end geo-blocking for residents in the north."