Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

Briefly, the budget figures are closer to the first figure given by the Deputy rather than the latter, that is, they are closer to €7 million than to €10 million. The cost this year to the broadcasters will depend on when the agency is established. This is not a time in which I will be able to provide massive additional resources in respect of staffing or finance. At present, I understand there are approximately 36 full-time equivalent employees working in the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland. They will be obliged to take on additional roles and seek efficiencies in their systems to be able to do this within existing resources. This may be helped if we can use other content provision within the State and can achieve greater efficiencies in that fashion. In addition, the manner in which my Department works with the new authority may bring greater efficiencies.

Moreover, this Bill provides greater clarity and ease in the management of this process. It will update and improve the regulatory system with a range of innovations in respect of the types of right to reply systems, complaint systems and commissioning systems that are available and they will bring efficiencies because this constitutes a modernisation and update of our regulatory system, which is the right thing to do. Despite the difficult downturn, this is exactly what should be done because I believe it will make it easier for broadcasters. The right to reply system included in this Bill is innovative and will keep everyone out of the courts, in which massive costs and delays are incurred. Through this legislation, Members can do a favour for the industry and help them through a difficult time.

See this speech in context