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Television Licence Fee

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 February 2022

Thursday, 24 February 2022

Questions (77)

Bríd Smith

Question:

77. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans in relation to the television licence; if the collection of the licence fee will be moved from An Post; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10454/22]

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Written answers

A vibrant, diverse and independent broadcasting and media sector is vital for not only our democracy but our cultural development. However, it is a sector that is undergoing fundamental change and faces significant challenges.

For this reason, the Future of Media Commission was established by Government to consider the future of print, broadcast, and online media in a platform agnostic fashion; and to consider the potential measures required to ensure that our public service media continues to play its essential role within our society for the foreseeable future. This included the Commission considering how public service media can 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; and to make recommendations on RTÉ’s role, financing and structure within this framework.

The Commission submitted their Report to An Taoiseach and myself in the Autumn. The report's recommendations are far-reaching and will inform media and broadcasting policy in the coming years and as such, they have required careful and detailed consideration. It is intended that the report will be brought to Government shortly.

At present, the principal mechanism for the provision of public funding to support public service broadcasting in the State is the TV Licence fee. As provided for under Section 145 of the Broadcasting Act, 2009, An Post are the designated collection agent for the TV Licence fee, and they will continue to carry out this statutory function unless and until such time as Government may decide on an alternative funding model.

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