Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)

The question of granting licences and the issue of franchises and so on are a matter for the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland. I have no ideological hang-up about introducing competition. I note that the BCI is allowing increased competition in a number of areas. A few years ago it introduced the concept of a regional radio station in the south east. I have no problem with that.

The scheme for funding is administered by the BCI and is being finalised. The possibility of using it specifically for what would be termed public service broadcasting is addressed reasonably well given that programmes that are financed from that fund are ones that are not normally and probably never would be funded at peak time rates and they must be played at peak viewing times. The public service element of that is included in the draft regulations that are being put in place.

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