Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

On cost and given the constraints on public service numbers, a quantum increase in resources or budgets will not be available. While this is a difficulty for regulators and other agencies, it is the environment in which we work. The process outlined in the Bill will transfer the cost from the Exchequer to the industry. While this will place an additional burden on the industry, it is common practice for regulators. For example, the energy regulator, CER, is provided with funding through a similar industry provision, as is ComReg.

This method is of benefit as it does away with the annual budgetary process and it provides certainty not only to the agency, but also to industry in the form of its involvement. Under section 37(1), the agency must publish a three-year estimate of its expenditure. Given the fact that the agency will be funded by broadcasters, it is expected that the agency will provide them with advance notice of developments in the levy. This is a normal business practice that works well within our other regulatory systems.

I cannot accept the amendment, although I understand its basis. Section 4 is a standard provision that appears in most Acts. As the Bill requires that advance notice in the form of a three-year plan be given, however, a generic provision would not be appropriate.

Regarding an bord snip or whatever its real title is——

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