Screen Producers Ireland is the representative group for independent producers in Ireland. TG4 commissions the bulk of its Irish language programming from this sector. I am aware of the report recently published by Screen Producers Ireland and its core recommendation for a substantial increase in public funding for TG4. The report recommends that TG4 should then use this extra funding to commission additional programming from independent producers and to pay independent producers higher rates than at present.
Public funding for TG4 is provided for the purpose of ensuring that there is a quality Irish language television service available for the people of Ireland. The public funding of TG4 has had a secondary and positive impact of stimulating growth in the independent production sector. While this is a welcome development, decisions on the future funding of TG4 will primarily be informed by the need for TG4 to fulfil its public service mandate.