I propose to take Questions Nos. 258 and 259 together.
My core broadcasting policy objectives are detailed in my Department's Statement of Strategy 2003-2005. These objectives are to create an environment which encourages the maintenance of high-quality Irish radio and television services by both independent broadcasters and RTE; secure a viable future for high-quality public service broadcasting; and seek to retain access to a range of high-quality programming in analogue and digital form on a universal and free-to-air basis.
My key priorities for achieving these objectives include developing the regulatory framework by bringing forward a Bill to provide for the establishment of a single content regulator for both public and private broadcasters and to establish RTE on the lines of a company under the Companies Acts; taking steps to provide for the establishment of TG4 as an independent entity; ensuring adequate public funding for RTE and TG4 to allow them to deliver on their statutory mandate; building on progress made in maximising the effectiveness of television licence fee collection; developing proposals to ensure that in a digital era Irish viewers continue to enjoy access to a range of high-quality programming; and bringing forward proposals for the future licensing of radio services in Ireland.