Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 December 2023
59. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media for an update on the Government commitment to reform the TV licence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53467/23]
View answerGiven the recent controversy surrounding RTÉ, reform of the TV licence is a matter of great importance and we look forward to seeing what plans are formed by Government regarding the future funding of this sector.
The TV licence was introduced in 1961 to provide funding for the newly established Telefís Éireann. While previous Governments have not addressed fundamental reform of the TV licence system, this Government is determined to bring forward real change and I am committed to reform of the licence fee within the lifespan of this Government. As the Taoiseach stated, a long-term funding model is needed to deliver effective reform and secure funding for public service media. It is my intention that legislation to underpin this will be brought before Government and the Oireachtas next year.
As I outlined in my response to Deputy Ó Snodaigh earlier, the Future of Media Commission was tasked with making recommendations on a sustainable public funding model for public service media. The commission noted three main funding models, which are a TV Licence, a universal charge, or direct Exchequer funding. While the commission recommended a direct Exchequer funding model, Government decided to establish a technical working group to examine options for the reform and enhancement of the current system. The working group submitted its report to me at the end of March. While discussions with relevant senior Cabinet colleagues have been ongoing on the matter, the events at RTÉ meant that a final decision has been paused until the expert advisory committees that Government appointed to carry out the reviews into RTÉ have completed their work. Those reports are expected in February.
It would not be appropriate for me to discuss the details of any discussions to date, or the options put forward by the technical working group, until Government has completed its consideration of the matter. I can say that it is imperative that we deliver a secure and sustainable source of funding and all options need to be considered. Public service media and content are vital to our society and democracy. As the Future of Media Commission pointed out, they are a critical part of public infrastructure. It, therefore, remains of vital importance that people continue to purchase their TV licence, which funds free-to-air, quality public service content for audiences in Ireland, including through the sound and vision scheme, which is open to all broadcasters.
I thank the Minister for her response. I would welcome her thoughts on the decision about RTÉ's future funding. It is anticipated that this decision will be made in the first half of 2024. Clarity around Government's plans for reform of the TV licence becomes front and centre in this regard. While I accept the difficulties regarding the publication of the technical working group's report, we need to start this conversation. We have seen a significant decline in the licence fee revenue, particularly following the controversy of the hidden payments. Will the Minister provide clarity about the pros and cons that may be factored into this type of decision? I look forward to the Minister's response.
It is a matter that requires detailed consideration by Government. As I said before, the decision itself has been paused but the discussions are ongoing with Cabinet colleagues and the three leaders. I do not think it would be appropriate for me to pre-empt those discussions or put forward my personal opinion. Suffice it to say that I have said on the record that I believe it is not only the technical working report, but also the Exchequer funding model. I now believe all options should be considered. That is what is being discussed currently. It is important that we not only provide a solid funding base for public service broadcasters, but also that we support the provision of quality public service content for all, including that provided by commercial operators in the State, on television, on radio, in print, and online.
I certainly agree with that sentiment. We had the independent broadcasters before the Oireachtas last week and Fine Gael itself had a delegation. Local radio is very important across Ireland. There are over 3.7 million listeners of local radio. They need to be factored into the reform of the TV licence and should be placed front and centre alongside RTÉ. We all know RTÉ has argued that the TV licence model was broken. Its thoughts would be focused on direct Exchequer funding. I know this is something that both the Tánaiste and Taoiseach have discussed. They have also put forward options about a potential broadcasting levy or a direct taxpayer-funded model. Certainly, as a member of the media committee, we need to take the necessary steps to ensure that public broadcasting becomes front and centre and has a solid funding model in the future. I look forward to working with the Minister in this regard.
Absolutely. I think we value public service broadcasting now more than ever. As the Deputy knows, the Future of Media Commission made certain recommendations for schemes that would support radio and print. Two of those relate to local democracy and court reporting. I have secured €6 million in the budget. It is almost like an interim model for them. Those schemes will be launched next year. We have been engaging extensively with the industry until we get the long-term funding model secured. That long-term funding model will support radio, print and online media. The good news for them is that we intend to launch the court reporting and local democracy schemes next year. The intention is that, as soon as those expert advisory committee reports land, which I believe will be in February, we will be in a position to make an announcement as soon as possible and to work with the committee and all Members here. It is an opportunity for all Members of the House to show how they value public service broadcasting, if there is a need for legislation, through the speedy progress of that legislation.
