Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

I move amendment No. 25:

In page 33, to delete lines 26 to 44 and in page 34, to delete lines 1 to 13 and substitute the following:

"26.—(1) The principal functions of the Authority are to—

(a) prepare a strategy for the provision of broadcasting services in the State additional to those provided by RTÉ, TG4, the Houses of the Oireachtas Channel and the Irish Film Channel,

(b) prepare a statement under section 29(1),

(c) liaise and consult with the Communications Regulator in the preparation of the allocation plan for the frequency range dedicated to sound and television broadcasting,

(d) make a levy order under section 33(1),

(e) prepare or make broadcasting codes and rules,

(f) prepare a scheme for the exercise of the right of reply,

(g) direct the Contract Awards Committee to make arrangements, in accordance with Parts 6 and 8, to invite, consider and recommend to the Authority, and the Authority shall follow such recommendation, proposals for the provision of—

(i) broadcasting services additional to any broadcasting services provided by RTÉ, TG4, the Houses of the Oireachtas Channel and the Irish Film Channel under Part 7, and

(ii) multiplex services additional to any multiplex services provided by RTÉ under Parts 7 and 8,

(h) prepare rules and enter into contracts in respect of electronic programme guides,

(i) determine disputes arising under section 76(2) and section 77(5),

(j) make a report to the Minister under section 77(15),

(k) consult with the Minister under sections 101(3), 102(3), 103(4), 104(1), (2) and (3), 106(3), 107(3), 111(4), 112(2), (7) and (11), 116(5), 127(6), 130(1) and 130(12),

(l) prepare and issue guidance to RTÉ and TG4 as to the fulfilment of their obligations under sections 109(11) and 112(2),

(m) undertake a review under section 124(2) and (8) and section 128(3),

(n) make a recommendation under section 124(5) and (12),

(o) make a request under section 115, section 130(10), section 132(3) or section 133(3) or (4),

(p) make a report to the Minister under section 139(1) in respect of preparedness for analogue switch-off,

(q) provide information to the public on the availability of services by means of television multiplexes, and

(r) prepare and implement schemes for the granting of funds under Part 10.".

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