Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 November 2004
109 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the full extent to which the television licence fund surplus for distribution between the various broadcasting networks has accumulated to date; when it is expected that these funds are likely to be allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31209/04]
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 and in accordance with a scheme to be administered by the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland. The Act provided that 5% of the net proceeds from television licence fees would be paid into the fund with effect from 1 January 2003. To date a total of €16.02 million has been paid into the fund. As a scheme is not yet in place, the BCI has issued no payments from the fund to date.
The BCI has completed a public consultation on a draft scheme on the operation of the fund. In accordance with section 2(1) of the Broadcasting Funding Act 2003, the BCI is required to submit the finalised scheme to me for approval following which I will lay the scheme before the Oireachtas.
I expect to receive a final version of the proposed scheme in the coming weeks. Any scheme put in place is likely to require State aid approval from the European Commission.
