Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 June 2004
14 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when he intends to bring proposals to Government to establish TG4 as an independent statutory entity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19213/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraTG4 is primarily an Irish language television station. It first broadcast on 31 October 1996 and is currently part of the RTE family of services. While the station is overseen by Comhairle Teilifís na Gaeilge, a body appointed by the RTE authority, the programme for Government featured a commitment to support the development of Irish language broadcasting and establish TG4 as a separate statutory body. TG4 provides a comprehensive range of programmes primarily in the Irish language which reflect the cultural diversity of the whole island. These include programmes which entertain, inform and educate, cover sporting, religious and cultural activities and cater for the expectations of all age groups in the community whose preferred spoken language is Irish or who otherwise have an interest in Irish. TG4 also provides news and current affairs programming primarily in the Irish language and covers proceedings in the Houses of the Oireachtas and the European Parliament. Furthermore, the station facilitates contemporary cultural expression and encourages and promotes innovation and experimentation in broadcasting.
While TG4 is primarily funded from grant-in-aid by my Department, it receives income from advertising. Section 47 of the Broadcasting Act 2001 provides for one hour of programming to be provided by RTE to TG4 each day. Provision of approximately €24 million in grant-in-aid has been made for TG4 in 2004. The Broadcasting Act 2001 provides for the establishment of TG4 as an independent statutory entity and I intend to bring forward proposals shortly to give effect to the commitment in the programme for Government in this regard.
At exactly this time last year, the Minister's progress report on the programme for Government indicated that proposals would shortly be brought forward to establish TG4 as a separate statutory body. "Shortly" has now become 13 months. When does the Minister intend to bring forward the necessary legislation? Is it the case that the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland Bill must first be introduced to allow the Minister to see the overall shape of public service broadcasting or has the Minister given any thought to this scenario?
In his progress report, the Minister referred in the context of Irish language broadcasting to the 5% fund. Does the Minister have any details and figures on the operation of the fund? How much has been drawn down and how much will be used for Irish language programming?
I suggest the Deputy should put down a separate question on the 5% fund. I understand that the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland is bringing forward as part of its duties details of a draft scheme on the disbursement of the fund.
There has been a slow down on the decision to establish TG4 as a separate statutory entity due to the fairly dramatic decisions we have made on foot of the licence fee increase. We have now decided strategically to bring forward a Broadcasting Authority of Ireland Bill whereby RTE will be subject to the same regulation as independent operators. Funding into the future is also an issue for TG4. Additional costs which may be incurred when the station leaves the RTE umbrella organisation must be considered.
The Minister mentioned Comhairle Teilifís na Gaeilge in his reply. Does he intend to establish a separate authority in the independent statutory system or will the broadcasting authority have responsibility for all broadcasting when it takes over from the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland? We all agree that TG4 has done an outstanding job on the reporting of the proceedings of the Houses of the Oireachtas and politics generally. Given its past achievements, does the Minister envisage a special role for TG4 in the projected Irish parliament channel about which we have talked on some committees dealing with broadcasting?
I agree with Deputy Broughan that TG4 has an exemplary record which is one of the reasons we wish it to be established as a separate entity. I expect the station will operate under a Broadcasting Authority of Ireland Act or pre-existing legislation as a separate commercial entity. TG4 has been reasonably successful in promoting the Parliament and I encourage it to proceed on that basis.
