Vol. 546 No. 4
16 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if she will use her powers under the Broadcasting Act, 2001, to separate TG4 from RTE; and if she will request the Minister for Finance to provide an adequate sum to fund Irish language broadcasting services. [32002/01]
Part 4 of the Broadcasting Act, 2001, which came into effect on 1 September, provides me with enabling powers to establish Teilifís na Gaeilge, known as TG4, as a separate statutory entity. The process of establishing Teilifís na Gaeilge as a separate statutory entity will be complex and many significant issues will have to be addressed. I expect the process, which I hope to put in train soon, will take approximately two years. In the meantime I will continue to ensure that Teilifís na Gaeilge is adequately funded, having regard to current budgetary constraints. My commitment and that of the Government to the on-going development of the station has been evidenced by the manner in which funding for Teilifís na Gaeilge has been very significantly increased during my term as Minister.
Does the Minister agree that given that TG4 is part of the RTE organisation, the deteriorating financial situation at RTE could undermine the operations of TG4 to the point where it could become completely dependent on RTE for funding? Does she also agree it is essential to separate the stations and establish TG4 as an independent body as soon as possible? Given that this process will take approximately two years, the financial situation at RTE could threaten the viability of TG4 unless proper funding arrangements are made as soon as possible.
We are all agreed that those working in TG4 are young, vibrant and committed and are part of an excellent organisation. That is why I was very pleased to provide the station with increased funding of 100% since I took up office in 1997. It is a demonstration of the Government's commitment. I was also pleased to ensure that additional funding of £2 million was allocated in 2001 for programming. The budget also allocated an extra £1 million. This funding is in recognition of the tremendous service provided by the station.
The Broadcasting Act was enabling legislation to allow for the establishment of TG4 as a separ ate statutory entity. A number of issues need to be addressed. These include the ongoing funding levels at the station, the relationship with RTE, including access to RTE facilities and archival material, transmission costs following the establishment of the transmission company, the introduction of DDD and the fine detail regarding the transfer of assets to TG4.
When I introduced this legislation there was nervousness among those in TG4 because they did not want these steps to be taken too quickly. It is important that there be agreement and a smooth transition to the establishment of the station as separate entity. That is why approximately two years will be needed to resolve matters although I hope to soon begin the process. The allocation of funding is a demonstration of the Government's appreciation and recognition of the work done by TG4.
Does the Minister have figures on how much TG4 would require on an annual basis to ensure that the station is run effectively and efficiently while maintaining present standards and output? My advice is that will require approximately 40 million per annum. TG4 has been operating for the past five years. It is an opportune moment to separate the station from RTE to allow it to be independent and to develop according to its own plans.
I assure the Deputy that I will continue to ensure that TG4 is adequately funded, having regard to current budgetary constraints. Without wishing to repeat myself, there has been a tremendous increase in funding, I know of TG4's plans for the future and, given budgetary constraints, I will continue to do all I can to ensure that funding is available for it.
