The establishment of a special fund was an important element of the package of measures agreed by the Government last December to reform and strengthen public service broadcasting in Ireland. The underlying objective of the package of measures was to ensure that radio and television services of the highest quality continue to be available to Irish audiences.
The new fund will result in additional high quality programming being offered to Irish audiences. The objective of the fund is to encourage broadcasters to innovate and offer more of the type of programming that audiences value. I emphasise that while the fund is open to all Irish broadcasters, it is not for broadcasters but for audiences.
I had no disagreement with my officials on the principle or the objective of the fund. There were differing views among my officials on the decision to finance the fund from the licence fee. I view it as a healthy sign that important decisions are informed by a considered debate amongst my officials and this is in fact the norm.
The Secretary General of my Department argued in favour of financing the fund from the proceeds of the licence fee. At the end of the day it is my responsibility as Minister to take decisions. I am satisfied that the decision I took was the right one. The programming financed from the fund will add to and enrich the radio and television services offered to Irish audiences.