Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Before going to members I have two questions. The Department referenced a tendering process for the collection of the television licence. As we know, An Post is currently the Minister's collection agent and it is paid commission to collect the fee. In light of Mr. Bobby Kerr's report and considering the different ways we can support the An Post network by increasing the amount of State services it can deal with, is the matter outlined in the presentation seen as a retrograde step? It may take away services from An Post in that although it will be paid per licence fee paid into the post office, there is the potential after the tendering process that somebody else could be paid for the collection service of the television licence.

Much research on the commercial pressures on media coverage - both print and broadcasting elements - indicates there is influence and pressure on the operators from commercial influences. A substantial amount of research demonstrates that commercial media does not provide voters with sufficient information on policy and political content. I note Dr. Kevin Rafter of Dublin City University researched the issue comprehensively and argues that Ireland would not be reflective of what happens internationally with regard to commercial and public service news organisations as there is not much of a difference in the public service element. Whether bodies are commercial or public, they provide similar levels of public service broadcasting. What is the view of witnesses on that?