Professor Brian MacCraith:

I thank the Deputy. I will give some high-level comments on her questions and then hand over to other members of the commission who have specific expertise in some of the areas she mentioned. In terms of the licence fee and the broader funding of public service broadcasting, we looked at a broad range of international models. I am pleased to be joined by Professor Gillian Doyle, a professor of media economics who is an expert on these matters and can say more about that issue. We have spoken to experts in several nations across Europe, as well as the European Broadcasting Union, EBU, but I will let Professor Doyle comment on that.

As regards language, of course the Irish language is an important part of our remit. We are still engaged on that matter. It is certainly significant. It is in our terms of reference. It is something we will make comments and recommendations on in our report, as appropriate and as the committee would expect us to do.

Before I call in Mr. Andrew Munro to comment on the matter of harmful advertising, I will go to Professor Doyle on the licence fee and alternative funding mechanisms for public service broadcasting which we have considered.