asked the Minister for Communications if he will give an assurance to Dáil Éireann that the broadcasting licence fees collected for RTE will not be altered without the approval of Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Broadcasting Licence Fees.
11.
I have no plans for any such alteration of broadcasting licence fees. Any alteration of such fees would be undertaken in accordance with existing statutory provisions.
How would any alteration in the distribution of the licence fee take place? Would it be possible for the Minister to change the distribution of licence fees away from RTE without coming to the Dáil?
The television licence fee is paid to RTE under section 8 of the Broadcasting Authority (Amendment) Act. No change in the provisions of the Act is contemplated. It just goes in a grant-in-aid equivalent of the licence fee revenue and they are paid annually. There is no suggestion and no intention of changing it.
Could the Minister separately give me the information as to how such a change could come about if it was to happen?
There is no intention of doing it.