Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 February 2022
324. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will consider reforming the legislation relating to television licensing to allow for persons to appeal decisions of inspectors without having to go to court; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8298/22]
View answerThe statutory basis for the current TV licence system is provided for under Part 9 of the Broadcasting Act 2009. This includes the enforcement mechanisms available to An Post, who act as the issuing agent for TV Licence fee collection.
The Programme for Government provided for the establishment of the Future of Media Commission to consider the future of print, broadcast, and online media in a platform agnostic fashion. The independent commission, chaired by Professor Brian MacCraith, was tasked with examining the challenges facing the sector and to consider the extent to which the current models of delivery are the appropriate ones for the next 10 years. It examined how public service media could be funded in a way that is sustainable, gives greater security of funding, ensures independent editorial oversight and delivers value for money to the public. This included consideration of the current television licence fee model.
The Future of Media Commission has concluded its work and its report will be brought to Government shortly. I am not proposing to change the current TV Licence legislation in advance of the Government’s consideration of the Commission's recommendations.
