Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 November 2004
258 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the manner in which he anticipates broadcasting to develop in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31491/04]
Amharc ar fhreagra259 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his preferred options in respect of development in the public and private broadcasting services, locally and nationally in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31492/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 258 and 259 together.
My core broadcasting policy objectives are detailed in my Department's Statement of Strategy 2003-2005. 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; secure a viable future for high-quality public service broadcasting; and seek to retain access to a range of high-quality programming in analogue and digital form on a universal and free-to-air basis.
My key priorities for achieving these objectives include developing the regulatory framework by bringing forward a Bill to provide for the establishment of a single content regulator for both public and private broadcasters and to establish RTE on the lines of a company under the Companies Acts; taking steps to provide for the establishment of TG4 as an independent entity; ensuring adequate public funding for RTE and TG4 to allow them to deliver on their statutory mandate; building on progress made in maximising the effectiveness of television licence fee collection; developing proposals to ensure that in a digital era Irish viewers continue to enjoy access to a range of high-quality programming; and bringing forward proposals for the future licensing of radio services in Ireland.
