Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

First, the Revenue Commissioners will implement Government policy. If, therefore, the Government makes a decision to expand the role of the Revenue Commissioners and provides a legislative basis for that and clarity on exactly what the role is, the Deputy can be sure they will take on that role. I think the Deputy is right. We can also be assured that they will do a very good job and be very professional and effective in their duties. That said, it is the case that the Revenue Commissioners collect tax. Therefore, the collection of the existing television licence fee is not one that I would see as being consistent with the role or mandate of the Revenue Commissioners. As the Deputy knows, however, the Government is considering the funding options for public service broadcasting in the medium to long term to make sure that there is a sustainable funding source there. It could be the case that the Government will decide to replace the existing licence fee with some other charge. A discussion may well then take place as to the best collection mechanism. I am not, therefore, ruling out a role for the Revenue Commissioners in the future, but that decision is one that will have to be made in the context of whether the licence fee is going to be replaced with another charge and then what the nature and characteristics of such a charge will be and whether it would be consistent with the Revenue Commissioners' mandate. That is my view on that particular issue.