I assume the Deputy is referring to the broadcasting funding scheme operated by the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland, BCI. The Broadcasting (Funding) Act 2003 provides that the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland prepare a scheme or schemes for the funding of grants to support certain television and radio programmes. The EU Commission notified Ireland in November 2005 of its decision that it considers the scheme to be compatible with the relevant provisions of the EU treaty. I subsequently wrote to the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland approving the scheme entitled Sound & Vision. I understand that the first round of applications under this scheme has taken place.
The amount payable annually under section 4(2) of the Broadcasting (Funding) Act 2003 is equal to 5% of net receipts of broadcasting licence fees. The amount available under the scheme now stands at in excess of €25 million.