Austin Currie
Question:6 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications when he will announce changes to the Broadcasting Act, 1990; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Broadcasting Legislation.
Alan M. Dukes
Question:31 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many local radio stations are exceeding the requirement that 20 per cent of broadcasting time be devoted to news and current affairs programmes, there is a strong demand for this kind of programming and that there is a need for an adjustment of current broadcasting legislation to facilitate local radio stations in meeting the substantial costs involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Patrick McCartan
Question:38 Mr. McCartan asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications whether any assessment has been undertaken of the impact of the advertising capping contained in the Broadcasting Act, 1990; if it is intended to amend the Act in the light of the experience to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 6, 31 and 38 together. In my formal review of the operation of the Broadcasting Act, 1990 I have consulted with all relevant interests including representatives of the independent radio sector, RTE, IRTC, the Association of Advertisers in Ireland, the Institute of Advertising Practitioners of Ireland, Film Makers Ireland, the National Newspapers of Ireland and representatives of the TV3 consortium.
The impact of the "cap" on revenue which RTE can derive from advertising, sponsorship etc. and the concerns of independent radio operators were some of the many issues considered during the course of the review. That review has been completed and is currently being studied by Government. I hope to be in a position to make an announcement in the near future.
May I express my annoyance and anger once again that the Minister can find more to say on a television programme about his plans in relation to this matter than he can say in this House. This is a large part of the problem in this country at the moment. People do not come into this House and state their policies; they do so at various conferences, on television, etc.
In view of the fact that there are so many complicated issues at stake and that this is the third effort to get this thing right in about three years, would the Minister not consider that the right method of approach would be through the speedy publication of a White Paper which would look at all of these complicated issues such as the provision of the third TV channel, the question of monopoly versus competition, of public money for commercial stations, of a changed role for Network 2, the amount of advertising time, the question of capping advertising, the alternative news coverage and all of these involved issues in which there is a tremendous vested interest by all sections of the media. In view of those circumstances, surely the case is extremely strong for a White Paper to get this matter right once and for all?
The time available for dealing with these questions is well nigh exhausted. I was hoping to deal with the remaining question, No. 7, in the name of Deputy Moynihan.
I am aware of the complexity of this and it is not my wish not to discuss it in the House. This is the first opportunity I have had to do so since I presented my proposals to Government.
The Minister can make opportunities.
I have four key objectives——
When the Minister does take the opportunity, would he outline what he is talking about and give us some information?
The Deputy will get his opportunity. The Deputy knows that.
This is the first opportunity I have had to speak to the House on the issue. I have four key objectives in presenting a media policy to the House; I want to ensure that RTE are kept strong to compete with international competition——
That makes a change from your predecessor.
——that a commercial environment is created in which alternative television and radio can be encouraged; that a good strong newspaper industry is maintained in Ireland so that it can compete with imported newspapers and so on, and that growth in the independent producers sector is encouraged. I will try to make progress under those four headings.
I will give some consideration to the Deputy's suggestion. Normally, Governments want White Papers and the Opposition want action immediately. I would prefer to try to get some action now and have the White Paper left aside. I am not convinced that a White Paper at this time would do anything other than delay the matter indefinitely. I think it is a delaying tactic, not a course of action. I would prefer to act on it.
If Question No. 7 is to be disposed of, it must be responded to now.
The time has expired. Perhaps the opportunity will be there to have the Shannon stopover debated by——
That is quite ungenerous of the Deputy. His own question was answered and he begrudges another Member a reply.
The time has expired.
I know the Chair cannot win in these circumstances. I have called a question and it will be responded to.
Will one Deputy only be allowed to ask supplementary questions?
That is so. Question No. 7.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 7, 10, 19, 25, 44, 47 and 49 together.
We would be better off going ahead.
That is not agreed.
(Interruptions.)
On a point of order, the time for taking priority questions has now expired. Six other questions are being taken with this question. There is no agreement on this.
They deal with the same issue.
I am quite aware of that and that is the point.
Nobody should be disenfranchised or prevented from asking further questions.
I have many more supplementary questions to ask on the Broadcasting Bill.
The Chair does his best in such circumstances.
I would like to know what the Deputy's position is.
He seeks to have a question replied to at this time, if at all possible, within reason.
The time has expired.
I accept that, Deputy. Mind you, the Chair in future will be quite rigid in this respect and will rule rigidly on time. Is that what the House wants, to give the Chair no discretion in the matter?
Deputies should have an opportunity to contribute.
It seems that my calling the question has been challenged on the occasion. Time is clearly up for dealing with priority questions. I cannot allow the reply to continue. We are proceeding now to other questions, Question No. 8.
A Cheann Comhairle, can I seek your guidance——
No, please resume your seat.
I want your guidance on a matter.
No, Deputy; if you want my guidance you can consult me in my office later or my office will correspond with you.
I consulted your office on 5 September——
Deputy McCormack, resume your seat forthwith and allow questions to proceed.
I suppose I will have to.