Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The State public service broadcaster, RTE, has indicated for some time that it is under significant financial pressure as a result of the changed nature of the way in which advertising expenditure occurs. In his early days in office, the Minister ruled out the notion of a broadcasting charge extending to all homes in the country in order to get over the high level of non-payment of the television licence fee. He indicated that he had some other ideas but we have yet to see these come to fruition. Has he given any consideration to the use of the Revenue Commissioners in the collection of television licence fees? Has consideration been given to addressing some of the cuts which RTE took during the recessionary period, particularly the cut relating to social welfare? While that is an issue for the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, obviously the Minister will have an input into it.

There is a requirement on RTE to fund TG4 from its central fund, which was a separate line item in the budget previously. Some amendments were made in the budget last year. Will the Minister tell us if he is considering addressing that immediate shortfall in the coming days?

We all share a respect for the importance of public service broadcasting but we recognise the way in which media is consumed is changing rapidly. It is clear that RTE has its own plans. I know the director general and the board are developing a strategy about which we may hear about. What role does the Minister believe the State will need to play to ensure public service broadcasting is protected, particularly with the advent of news and current affairs finding its way to consumers through digital platforms where the same level of verification is not at all as evident as has been the case in the past?