Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 December 2023
79. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if the Government is committed to ensuring there will be no diminution in the quality and offering of public service broadcasting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53637/23]
View answerThe public service obligations of RTÉ and TG4 are set out in the Broadcasting Act, 2009. As part of these obligations, both RTÉ and TG4 are required to develop periodic Statements of Strategy setting out how they will deliver on their remit.
TG4's most recent Statement of Strategy, for the period 2023 to 2027, details how it will continue to meet its public service remit, including actions to ensure TG4 will continue to serve Irish language audiences; increase engagement with younger audiences; and support the regional creative economy. This Strategy was recently laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas.
With regard to RTÉ, the Strategic Vision published last month demonstrates a renewed commitment to public service broadcasting, as well as addressing key areas such as governance reforms and cost efficiencies. This is vital as RTÉ seeks to rebuild the trust and confidence of the Irish public. The Strategic Vision has a particular focus on sport; increasing original Irish drama; enhanced news and current affairs; and commitments to increased levels of Irish language programming and for children and younger people. The Strategic Vision will inform the development of a more detailed Statement of Strategy.
Coimisiún na Meán plays an import role in ensuring that RTÉ and TG4 continue to meet their public service aims and obligations. This includes assessing the Statements of Strategy, considering the cost to implement these strategies, and then making funding recommendations. An Coimisiún also reviews the extent to which previous performance commitments have been met and ensure that broadcasting codes are complied with.
Finally, as well as this statutory and regulatory regime, the other key element in ensuring that Irish audiences are provided with quality public service content is the putting in place of appropriate supports and resources.
Acknowledging that changing media consumption patterns have impacted revenue generation within the wider media sector, this Government established the Future of Media Commission which, among other things, was tasked with making recommendations on sustainable public funding and other supports to ensure media in Ireland remains viable, independent and capable of delivering public service aims.
While options for a longer term funding model remain under consideration by Government, the interim funding recommended by the Future of Media Commission for RTÉ has been provided in 2022 and again this year. In addition, funding of up to €40m will be provided to RTÉ in 2023 arising from the fall in TV licence income. During my time in office funding for TG4 has increased by €19.8m or 53%, thereby not only meeting but exceeding the recommended funding level.
Over that same period, I have also secured an additional €22.4m in Exchequer funding for the Sound and Vision Scheme, which supports a broad range of public service content across all broadcasters.
This significantly increased level of investment is clear evidence of mine, and this Government’s, commitment to support public service broadcasting and public service content more generally.
