Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 July 2013
46. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the collection system he will introduce for the new broadcasting charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35027/13]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, my Department recently carried out a Value for Money Review on the proposal to introduce a Public Service Broadcasting (PSB) Household Charge. The independently chaired Review Group considered a range of issues in relation to the proposal, including the various options for the collection of the charge. The Group submitted its final report to me recently and I am now examining the results of its detailed deliberations.
I am sure that the Deputy will appreciate that with the development of any such new system, there is a depth of complexities to be be worked through in regard to how such a system could potentially be implemented and operated. For that reason, I am giving the detailed report and its recommendations my due consideration before making any final decisions in regard to the mechanics behind the introduction of this PSB Charge. I also intend to carry out a consultation process on the proposed charge, which would, inter alia, include consultation on the collection mechanism.
