Vol. 560 No. 1
565 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties being experienced by TG4, whose funding has been reduced each year since 2001, and the effect that this is having on the production companies who produce programmes for TG4; if he will revise this decision to ensure the future viability of the television station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2013/03]
I am pleased to have been in a position again this year to provide substantial funding to TG4. In the past five years current grant-in-aid funding to TG4 has risen from €14.8 million in 1998 to over €21 mill ion in the current year, representing an increase of over 40%.
While this year's Estimate is almost €0.65 million less than the funding provided in 2002, last year's provision included a special once off provision of €1million that was announced in the 2001 budget. In the current difficult financial climate I do not expect to be in a position to provide additional moneys to TG4 in 2003.
I welcome the very positive impact that TG4 has had on the development of the independent production sector. The fact that the vast majority of Irish language programming continues to be commissioned by TG4 means that the independent sector is set to continue to benefit from the significant public moneys provided to TG4.
