Broadcasting Sector

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 March 2019

Tuesday, 5 March 2019

Ceisteanna (435)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

435. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to implement the recommendations of the report of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment on the future funding of public service broadcasting; if a public service broadcast fund for the independent radio sector will be established; the timeline for the introduction of such measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10915/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

The Working Group on the Future Funding of Public Service Broadcasting was set up by government decision in July 2018 to examine options for the reform of TV licence collection, taking account of recommendations set out in the Report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee. The Group's work is ongoing and it is scheduled to report to me at the end of this month.

As I noted in the Debate on local radio in the Dail last Thursday, state aid rules have to be considered regarding the issue of a public service broadcast fund for the independent radio sector.

The independent radio sector already benefits from the BAI Sound and Vision Scheme which is funded from 7% of the net TV Licence fee receipts. The Scheme provided over €494,000 towards 77 different radio projects for broadcast on independent commercial stations in 2018.