Vol. 548 No. 5
352 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands her plans for the future direction and development of TG4 and Raidió na Gaeltachta, including their relationship with RTE; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5301/02]
Part 4 of the Broadcasting Act, 2001, provides me with the enabling powers to establish Teilifís na Gaeilge, known as TG4, as a separate statutory entity. It would be my intention to activate this part of the Act as soon as all preparatory steps, including providing a sound financial basis, have been completed. In the meantime, it will continue to operate within its existing reporting arrangements. My commitment, and that of the Government, to the ongoing development of TG4 has been illustrated by the significant increased funding of the station during my term as Minister. I met recently with union representatives from Raidió na Gaeltachta and confirmed to them that I am prepared to consider all options regarding the future direction and development of the station. I have invited them to forward for my consideration any views they may have on this issue and I look forward to hearing from them.
