Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 November 2018
548. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill 2018; the timeline for the introduction of provisions to reduce the burden of the broadcasting levy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48369/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, Government approval was obtained to proceed with the drafting of a number of legislative amendments to the Broadcasting Act, 2009 including amendment of the provisions of the Act relating to the broadcasting levy to alleviate the burden on broadcasters. The proposals provide that a portion of the licence fee receipts will be paid to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) to help defray their administrative costs. The proposed amendments were considered under Pre-Legislative Scrutiny by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Climate Action & Environment who published their report on 8 March. The Bill is currently being drafted by the Office of Parliamentary Counsel and is included as a priority on the Government's Legislative Programme.
