Vol. 577 No. 4
214 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his long-term ambitions for the broadcasting and television industry with particular reference to national and independent channels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31649/03]
My core broadcasting policy objectives are detailed in my Department's statement of strategy for 2003 to 2005. These objectives are to create an environment which encourages the maintenance of high quality Irish radio and television services by both independent broadcasters and RTE, to secure a viable future for high quality public service broadcasting and to seek to retain access to a range of high quality programming in analogue and digital form, on a universal and free-to-air basis. I have taken a series of practical steps to achieve these objectives.
In my replies to Questions Nos. 112 of 29 January 2003 and 115 of 4 March 2003, I set out a range of measures to be taken to strengthen the accountability and transparency of RTE and my legislative proposals to give effect to the fundamental reform of public service broadcasting announced by me in December 2002. I have also brought forward new legislation where this was necessary. The Broadcasting (Major Events Television Coverage) (Amendment) Act 2003 was signed into law earlier this year. The Broadcasting (Funding) Bill 2003 has passed all stages in the Dáil. I intend to bring forward a Bill in 2004 to establish a new entity to be known as the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland. This new body will have responsibility for content regulation for all Irish broadcasters.
