Helen Keogh
Question:35 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht whether the targets set for independent productions on RTÉ have been met in 1995; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9043/96]
Written Answers. - Independent Productions on RTE.
As required under section 6 of the Broadcasting Authority (Amendment) Act, 1993, RTE submitted a report of its activities during 1995 regarding the commissioning and the making of independent television programmes. The RTE report indicates that, in accordance with the terms of the Act, £6.5 million was paid into the independent television programmes account, that additional money such as VAT refunds and interest received was also paid into the account and that £6.8 million was expended therefrom in 1995. The report is being considered in my Department and, in accordance with standard procedures, I will be bringing the report to Government shortly, before causing it to be laid before both Houses. It is my intention, with the agreement of the Whips, that after the report is laid before the House, time will be made available in the House to discuss the reports on RTE's activities in 1994 and 1995 in relation to the commissioning of independent programmes.