Vol. 568 No. 2
85 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the progress made to date with regard to the implementation of the programme for fundamental reform of public sector broadcasting, announced by him on 11 December 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15932/03]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 89 on 15 April 2003. Work is proceeding on other measures announced as part of the Government decision last December. I circulated my Government colleagues with a draft public service broadcasting charter and have now received their comments which I am considering. I intend shortly to publish the draft charter and to initiate a public consultation. RTE has published its statement of commitments for 2003 and will shortly publish its code of fair trading practice. RTE has contacted various representative groups and advertised for applications from interested parties for an audience council which will be appointed shortly.
Meetings continue to take place between my officials and RTE to ensure the implementation of the accountability and transparency measures linked to the increase in the licence fee. The liaison group established to examine ways to improve the efficiency of the licence fee collection process is also continuing its work.
