Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I would argue that independence is protected by a number of arm's-length bodies already within the Minister's remit. The Arts Council is such a body, and it makes determinations. This is also done by Sport Ireland for allocations to sporting organisations. In a sense, by deciding what the level of the licence fee is, the Government makes a decision. I would respectfully suggest that that independence is protected when you have an arm's length body like the media commission in place.