Michael Healy-Rae
Question:325. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if he will address a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2973/24]
View answerTuesday, 23 January 2024
Questions (325)
Written answers
A diverse, vibrant and independent media sector, including public service media is essential to our society, democracy and cultural development, and this includes not only public service broadcasters, but the commercial media sector and the independent production, who make a significant contribution to the public service content available to Irish audiences.
A long-term funding model is needed to deliver effective reform and secure sustainable funding for public service media in Ireland. While addressing fundamental reform has of the TV Licence system has been a topic for previous Governments, this Government is committed to reform of the licence fee within the lifespan of the Government.
The Future of Media Commission was established to, amongst other things, consider sustainable public funding model and noted three main funding models, a TV Licence, a universal charge, or direct Exchequer funding. While the Commission recommended a direct Exchequer funding model, Government established a Technical Working Group in order to examine other potential options for the reform and enhancement of the current system.
The Working Group submitted their report to me at the end of March last year. Initial discussions with senior relevant Cabinet colleagues have taken place, and are continuing, but the events over the summer regarding RTÉ meant that a final decision has been paused until the independent reviews into RTÉ, carried out by the Expert Advisory Committees that Government appointed, are complete and have received consideration. These reports are expected in late February.
As you will appreciate, 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. What I can say is that it is essential that we deliver a secure and sustainable source of funding for our public service broadcasters and the sector as a whole. I have stated that I believe that all potential options for a long term funding model should be given due consideration.