Vol. 523 No. 2
87 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the discussions which have taken place between her Department and the European Commission in regard to the introduction of digital television; the issues of dispute; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20301/00]
As a matter of courtesy, my Department sent a copy of the Broadcasting Bill, 1999, to the European Commission for infor mation. I am not aware of any issues of dispute with the Commission relating to the Bill. It is my understanding that the Commission does not generally comment on member states' draft legislation.
Is the Minister aware that the EU Commissioner for competition policy, Mario Monti, is to bring forward proposals which would restrict the income which state-sponsored broadcasters receive from advertising to 20%? Does she agree, against the background where 50% of the income of RTE in 1999 came from advertising, that this clashes seriously with the Broadcasting Bill, 1999, and that if these proposals are passed into law, the Broadcasting Bill, 1999, is a nonsense in so far as the future of RTE as a digital broadcaster is concerned?
I was wondering what the Deputy was trying to get at. He refers to the introduction of digital television and the European Commission. I have already explained that the European Commission is not in the habit of commenting on draft legislation. The reference in his supplementary makes the position a little clearer. He referred to the debate taking place in the Commission in regard to public service broadcasting. That is an area about which I share the Deputy's concern. It is important in areas such as public service broadcasting that these issues should be defined within the member state itself. Obviously public service broadcasting will mean something different to us than to other European countries. Discussions are taking place but I understand that no decision has been taken. There are indications that certain views are held within the Commission along the lines outlined by the Deputy. I share the Deputy's concerns. I have availed of the opportunity at EU meetings to outline the Irish stance which is that we are very much in favour of public service broadcasting. Any discussions taking place need to be reviewed extremely carefully to take into account our national interest and public service broadcasting.
What exactly has the Minister done to prevent proposals emanating that could be so devastating to RTE? What effective action has she taken up to now and what urgent action will she take to ensure our national broadcaster becomes viable?
The Deputy has asked a number of questions that do not pertain to the question but may pertain to a later question on the Order Paper. To reiterate, RTE plays an important role in broadcasting in Ireland. Public service broadcasting is extremely important in respect of our identity and culture. It also looks after minority interests which might not necessarily be taken on board by any commercial concerns. The Broadcasting Bill, 1999, outlines the importance of restating public service broadcast ing particularly in an era of tremendous change and challenge in terms of many other channels coming on line. The consumer will have more choice and may not want the channels that are repetitive and purely commercial but may want to view quality programmes produced by RTE.
Is the Minister stating categorically that a newspaper report which appeared recently indicating that the Commission was not happy with the position being awarded to RTE within the structure of introducing digital terrestrial broadcasting had caused some conflict with the Commission? In effect the Commission was unhappy with the legislation in that it gave RTE too strong a position. Is the Minister stating categorically that there is absolutely no truth in that?
With respect, I think the Deputy is somewhat confused.
I am not at all confused. The question is direct. Are reports that state that the Commission is in conflict with the Minister incorrect?
There has been a complaint to the Commission from one individual who has written an article in the newspapers. That had particular relevance with regard to what would be seen by some as RTE's dominant position, that is, the position of Digico. Since then there have been discussions not least within RTE because RTE had some difficulties with regard to the proposed legislation.
We must proceed to the next question.
As a result of that Phil Flynn acted as facilitator and changes will be forthcoming with regard to the setting up of Digico in the legislation.
