Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 October 2004
25 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason for the delays in the publication of the application schemes under the BCI innovation fund; if he has satisfied himself that the delays are reasonable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25568/04]
View answerThe Broadcasting (Funding) Act 2003 provided for the establishment of a fund to support certain television and radio productions and projects out of an amount of 5% of net receipts of television licence fees. The Act is quite clear that it is a matter for the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland, BCI, to develop a scheme or schemes through which the fund can be accessed. The manner in which it draws up such schemes is a day to day matter for the BCI and one in which I have no role.
I do not think it unreasonable that the BCI should take time to consider the details of a scheme through which very substantial public funds will be disbursed. I also think it both reasonable and desirable that the BCI has consulted widely when preparing a scheme. A key consideration for the BCI has to be that any scheme is likely to require state aid approval from the European Commission. It is important to remember that while the scheme is being developed the fund is still growing. To date €14.3 million has been paid into the fund.
I understand that the BCI has drawn up a draft scheme and recently completed a public consultation on that draft scheme. In accordance with section 2(1) of the Broadcasting (Funding) Act 2003, the BCI must submit the finalised scheme to me for approval following which I will lay the scheme before the Oireachtas. I expect to receive a proposed scheme from the BCI in the next few weeks.
