Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Broadcasting Commission of Ireland.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 October 2004

Thursday, 21 October 2004

Ceisteanna (90)

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

75 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the date on which applications can be made to the BCI innovation fund; the process by which they will be determined by the BCI; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25567/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Broadcasting (Funding) Act 2003 provides for the establishment of a fund from which grants may be paid by the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland, BCI, to support certain television and radio programmes. The Act provides that it is a matter for the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland to draw up a scheme or schemes to finance programmes from the fund established by the Act.

The BCI is at present preparing a scheme which I expect will be submitted to me for my approval in the next few weeks. It is likely that any scheme will require State aid approval from the EU Commission. Once a scheme has been approved it will be a matter for the BCI to administer it. Accordingly, issues relating to timing of applications and decision-making processes will be a matter for the BCI.

Barr
Roinn