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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Oct 2003

Vol. 571 No. 4

Written Answers. - Television Licence Fee.

John Deasy

Question:

165 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on the progress which has been made by RTE since its increase in the licence fee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22102/03]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 85 on 11 June 2003.

Implementation of the Government decision of December last is continuing. The public consultation on the draft public service broadcasting charter for RTE was concluded last month. I will shortly finalise the charter and bring it to Government, before publication. Earlier this year RTE published its statement of commitments for 2003 and published its code of fair trading practice. An audience council will also be established in the near future. The liaison group established to examine ways to improve the efficiency of the licence fee collection process is also continuing its work.

The increase in the television licence fee was clearly linked to the implementation of a range of accountability and transparency measures. My officials continue to have regular meetings with RTE to ensure these measures are implemented. Later this year, I will arrange for an independent evaluation of RTE's performance in 2003 with regard to the delivery of RTE's change management agenda and programme commitments.

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