Vol. 439 No. 3
10 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht when he intends to produce a Green Paper on Broadcasting; the timescale for this Green Paper; and the consultation procedures, if any, he intends to develop to ensure that all views are represented.
11 D'fhiafraigh Proinsias De Rossa den Aire Ealaíon, Cultúir agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil aon dul chun cinn déanta leis an athbhreithniú ar reachtaíocht craolacháin.
19 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht when he intends to produce a Green Paper on Broadcasting; the timescale for this Green Paper; and the consultation procedures, if any, he intends to develop to ensure that all views are represented.
43 Ms F. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht when he intends to produce a Green Paper on Broadcasting; the timescale for this Green Paper; and the consultation procedures, if any, he intends to develop to ensure that all views are represented.
50 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht when he intends to produce a Green Paper on Broadcasting; the timescale for this Green Paper; and the consultation procedures, if any, he intends to develop to ensure that all views are represented.
53 Mr. L. Burke asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht when he intends to produce a Green Paper on Broadcasting; the timescale for this Green Paper; and the consultation procedures, if any, he intends to develop to ensure that all views are represented.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 10, 11, 19, 43, 50 and 53 together.
Tá athbhreithniú tionscnaithe agam ar struchtúir agus ar reachtaíocht chraolacháin agus leanfar leis an athbhreithniú sin. I bhfianaise na gceisteanna casta atá le plé agus i bhfianaise na forbartha atá tagtha ar an teicneolaíocht cheana féin, gan trácht ar fhorbairt a tharlóidh amach anseo, tá sé beartaithe agam Páipéar Uaine a fhoilsiú ar an ábhar tábhachtach seo.
With regard to consultation procedures, the Green Paper will enable me to receive views from the widest possible range of interested persons and organisations, which will assist me considerably in preparing the legislative proposals which I will be putting forward. I see no particular need for the introduction of any further consultation procedures at this time.
The Minister referred to consultation and a Green Paper and stated that he does not see a need for introducing new consultation procedures. Will he agree that, because of their enormous financial implications, some of the key decisions he has already taken in relation to Teilifís na Gaeilge and the independent sector, pre-empt future decisions? How does the Minister envisage the Broadcasting Bill and the Green Paper developing in the next year?
Since taking up office I have stressed the need for a Green Paper on broadcasting because of the changes in technology, programming and funding, the changed environment for public service broadcasting and the balance between national and local community, public and private broadcasting. The basic legislation is laid down in the 1960 Act, which was amended in 1976, but it is obvious that we need a new regime. The Teilifís na Gaeilge project was supported by every party in this House and, following the general election, it was included in the Programme for Government. Some people may have misgivings about it since and cannot make up their minds whether they are for or against it. In fairness to Deputy Fitzgerald Young Fine Gael opposes the proposal in respect of Teilifís na Gaeilge.
The other broadcasting changes I made were eminently sensible. A provision to lift the cap on advertising in RTE was included in the programme to protect and expand jobs. Other initiatives I have taken were indicated in the programme. The Green Paper will address the wide-ranging territory I described, namely, technological changes and changes in balance. The broadcasting legislation will be introduced after the Green Paper which I expect to be completed this year.
An cheist a bhí á chur agamsa ar an Aire ná cathain a bheidh an Páipéar Uaithne á fhoilsiú aige.
Deireann sé anois go mbeidh sé ann roimh dheireadh na bliana seo. An bhfuil sé i gceist aige aon chabhair a fháil taobh amuigh den Roinn? An bhfuil sé chun consultants a fhostú chun an Páipéar Uaithne seo a chur le chéile?
I am drawing on submissions already made. The fact that I received submissions before the Green Paper was announced is an indication of the health of the broadcasting sector. I have had opportunities to meet officials of the IRTS to hear the views of not only the RTE Authority but those of different individuals, groups, trade unions and others. Those submissions are available and there is a considerable degree of expertise within my Department. If I need specialist advice on any aspect or contributions in respect of the territory I described I intend to obtain it as part of the preparatory process. I am anxious that the Green Paper will address the issues I mentioned as thoroughly as possible so that it will inform the legislation in a proper way. Existing legislation is out of date and amending legislation is needed to provide for changes.
Regarding the views of the general public on the future of broadcasting, will the Minister take steps to ensure that the public will have an opportunity to have their say about the future of broadcasting as was the case in other countries when the future of broadcasting was discussed? Structured opportunities were given to the public to participate and give their views in workshops and seminars in other countries. Will the Minister consider such a measure?
I will consider any reasonable proposal for the future development and devolution of the Green Paper. I am very open in regard to this matter. Long after the life of this Government the legislation we enact will affect us for a long time. It is my intention to gather as much information on as many views as possible.
Will the plans for Teilifís na Gaeilge be left on the shelf while the Green Paper is being prepared?
I do not know if the Deputy was listening to my previous answer.
I was.
I answered in two languages. I said I aim to meet the target date of 1995. I said difficulties might arise but I cannot anticipate them and I will not operate on the basis that they exist. I believe the target date can be met. I am delighted to tell Deputy McCormack——
Is it part of the Green Paper?
I will answer Deputy McCormack's question.
Let us hear the Minister without interruption.
I am sure Deputy McCormack will be delighted to hear that I hope to spend £9 million in the coming year on Teilifís na Gaeilge. He is also aware that I have decided to locate it in Tully and that work will proceed. There will be no delay in providing for Teilifís na Gaeilge while the Green Paper is being prepared. It is time that those who genuinely want to contribute to a debate on broadcasting considered the real issues without using Question Time as an opportunity to snipe at a decision which enjoys wide public support.
The Minister may have answered my question and, if that is the case, I hope he will not give me a condescending reply. Will it be part of the brief of the Green Paper to consider the possibility of international broadcasting from Ireland? We have an immense diaspora across the world and countries as small as Ireland broadcast international radio services. Broadcasting technology has been improved with the use of satellites and so on. Will international broadcasting form part of the discussion in the brief of the Green Paper?
We are having an extension of the question.
Where appropriate it will be discussed. Such initiatives as may be possible in the short term to extend our radio coverage can proceed and need not await the completion of the Green Paper.
