Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 February 2022
5. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will address reports that she intends to make changes to the television licence fee collection; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10695/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraWill the Minister comment on reports that she intends to make changes to the television licence fee collection, and will she make a statement on the matter?
A healthy, independent and well-functioning media system is critical to our democracy, providing a platform for diverse opinion, challenge and debate. It is also of key importance for our cultural vibrancy and development, not least in supporting Irish content in a globalised marketplace.
Recognising this vital role played by the wider media sector in our society and the fact the media system as a whole is under severe financial pressure, the Government established the Future of Media Commission, chaired by Professor Brian MacCraith, to consider the way forward at a time of profound change and significant challenges. As such, the commission's task was a complex one, with a remit that was broader than simply examining the funding of public service broadcasting.
This is about putting in place a sustainable framework for the wider media sector: print, radio and all other platforms. It is about enabling greater accessibility, equality, diversity and inclusivity in the media, supporting environmental sustainability, and the promotion of our language, culture and creativity.
On the question of future funding, the commission was asked to examine how public service media can be funded in a way that is sustainable, gives greater security to the sector, ensures independent editorial oversight and delivers value for money. Given the wide-ranging and far-reaching recommendations the commission has addressed, it is only right we give the report very careful and detailed consideration. The commission's work must also be considered in the context of a range of other complex and interrelated issues that will require decisions by Government in the media and wider digital space. These include the recently published national digital strategy, the Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill and Ireland's approach to the implementation of the forthcoming Digital Services Act.
I met with Professor MacCraith on a number of occasions since the commission was established, including since the commission's report was finalised. I also recently met with an Taoiseach and other Cabinet colleagues as part of our collective examination of the commission's report. It is intended that the Future of Media Commission report will be brought to Cabinet in the coming weeks, following which it will be published.
With regard to the current funding model, public sector broadcasting is funded by revenues from the TV licence fee and the Exchequer, with An Post the designated collection agent for the TV licence fee. This will continue until such time as the Government may decide on an alternative funding model.
As the Minister said, the Future of Media Commission was initially set up to look at the TV licence and then it was expanded. The commission reported last July but the Minister has had that report now since last October and it still has not been published.
Those of us who are not in Government have been working from leaks in the media. We learned from one of the leaks that apparently the commission recommended the licence fee be funded through the Exchequer, but apparently this was rejected by Government backbenchers. Then, last week, it was reported that the Government intends to change the licence fee collection agent from An Post to Revenue. Will the Minister please clarify if these leaks are accurate?
To clarify, the commission completed its work and, last September, the detailed report was submitted to the Taoiseach and me. It contains recommendations on a wide range of issues. I am not going to comment on the content of that report until it comes to Cabinet, but I will say there are far-reaching recommendations that require we give them appropriate consideration. They cannot be considered in isolation, however. As I said, the report is one of a number of developments taking place in the media and digital space that need to be considered in the round. These include the recently published national digital strategy entitled Harnessing Digital: The Digital Ireland Framework, and Ireland's approach to the implementation of the forthcoming Digital Services Act.
As the Deputy knows, we are progressing our Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill. The report is with me and the Taoiseach. As I said, we met recently with some Cabinet colleagues to consider that. Our ambition is to bring it forward as soon as possible.
I am sure the Minister recognises it is important we have sight of the report for many reasons. We need to be able to debate and scrutinise any changes to the licence fee. We cannot do that without seeing the rationale of the commission in making its recommendations.
Can I get a commitment that the Government will not increase the cost of the licence fee when we are in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis? Will the Minister confirm she intends to remove the contract for collection from An Post? That is a particularly worrying scenario given An Post and post offices across the State are on their knees. Will the licence fee or levy seek to direct funding to support local and national print media?
I thank the Deputy. I cannot comment on the recommendations of the report until it comes to the Cabinet. As I said, I discussed the matter with the Taoiseach and with Cabinet colleagues quite recently, even this week. I expect it will be brought to all of the Cabinet in the coming weeks. My ambition, as well as that of the Taoiseach, is to publish that report as soon as possible. None of what has been in the newspapers has been verified by the Taoiseach’s Department or my Department. I have read much about what is seemingly in the recommendations. However, as I said, that has not been verified by the Taoiseach’s Department or by me. I even noted reports at the weekend that the Oireachtas joint committee’s position seems to be one that is supporting a household charge. None of these leaks has been verified by anyone. It needs, deserves and is worthy of proper consultation. It is my ambition and it is the Taoiseach’s ambition to publish it as soon as possible.
