John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Collins for his presentation. I wish to ask a few questions before I hand over to members. In light of the news last week that UTV is applying for a licence to establish a television station in this jurisdiction, I would be interested in hearing Mr. Collins's comments on what is agreed is a very small market. What is his interpretation of the possible effect on RTE and TV3? Is there room for all three at a time when, as he says himself, the piece of cake is getting smaller in respect of the economy?

In regard to public service broadcasting, we have brought the independent broadcasters before us on several occasions. I find it hard to resolve the question of how public service broadcasting should be defined. They maintain there is no recognition of the public service contribution of the local news, current affairs and sports they provide to their local audiences. In 2013, RTE 2fm received funding of €11.6 million for what seems to be very limited public service content. The analysis by Crowe Howarth indicates that additional funding will be made available from the new broadcasting charge on top of the revenue from licences. The BAI rejected Crowe Howarth's suggestion that the additional revenue should not go to RTE. It is strange that the BAI would not agree with the recommendations set out in the independent report it commissioned.