Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 December 2004
147 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if it has come to his attention that many persons in television production are concerned about funding to TG4; his views on whether TG4’s funding needs to increase incrementally over the next four years from €30 million in 2005 to €44 million in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32827/04]
View answerFunding for TG4 is provided to RTÉ by means of an annual grant-in-aid, the level of which is determined as part of the annual Estimates process. The recently published Estimates for 2005 included a provision of €24,858,000 for TG4, an increase of €697,000 on 2004.
Public funding for TG4 is provided for the purpose of ensuring that there is a quality Irish language television service available for the people of Ireland. The public funding of TG4 has had a secondary and positive impact of stimulating growth in the independent production sector. While this is a welcome development, decisions on the future funding of TG4 will primarily be informed by the need for TG4 to fulfil its public service mandate.
