Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 May 2005
65 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on the reported reaction of the management of a company (details supplied) to the new broadcasting fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14394/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe draft broadcasting funding scheme was prepared by the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland in accordance with the provisions of the Broadcasting (Funding) Act 2003. In regard to television programmes, the Act provides that it is open to all broadcasters and independent producers to apply for funding provided that the programmes will be made available to at least 90% of the population of the State on a free-to-air basis or will be distributed on cable or MMDS systems under a community content contract.
The purpose of the scheme is to ensure greater access for Irish audiences to quality programmes that reflect Irish culture, heritage and experience, in both the English and Irish languages, at national and local level. It is intended that such programming will be additional and complementary to the programme schedules already available to those audiences on a free-to-air basis. It is not an objective of the scheme to provide additional funding for individual broadcasters. While broadcasters may benefit from the scheme, the scheme is not for broadcasters but for audiences.
The draft scheme has been formally notified to the EU Commission to ensure its compatibility with EU State aid and competition rules. The outcome of the EU Commission's deliberations is awaited.
