Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

I propose to move amendments Nos. 84 and 86. Amendment No. 84 tries to address some of the concerns that were raised on Committee Stage by Deputies in respect of the broadcasting of original children's programming by RTE and TG4. I share the Deputies' views regarding the key role to be played by public service broadcasters in respect of children's programming and the need to oblige public service broadcasters to set out their proposals up-front in terms of their Irish stories for children living in Ireland. Amendment No. 84 strengthens the focus on new material relevant to children in Ireland, either created by the public service broadcaster itself or commissioned from an independent producer, as opposed to acquired programming.

As regards amendment No. 85 proposed by Deputy Coveney, I believe the imposition of a quota would be too blunt an instrument for what is a dynamic area. The process laid out in the Bill of requiring RTE to lay out its proposals for children's programming, and subjecting such proposals to review, is a better way forward. I would also have serious concerns as to whether the specific reference to independent Irish producers, proposed in the amendment, would comply with our obligations under EU treaties and, as such, I do not propose to accept amendment No. 85.

In respect of amendment No. 86, Deputies will recall that the purpose of section 102 was to introduce a more robust and sophisticated performance measurement framework for public service broadcasters. Amendment No. 86 is intended to strengthen this framework further by ensuring clarity around the expected timelines for the delivery of the annual statement of performance commitments and the associated report on whether such performance commitments have been met.

As regards amendment No. 83 proposed by Deputy Coveney, a charter is in essence a written document that sets out the rights, powers or privileges granted to an organisation or person. For example, the various powers of the BBC are established by means of royal charter, whereas in Ireland the various powers of RTE and TG4 are established through statute, i.e. sections 114 and 118 of this Bill. Section 101 does not involve the granting of powers, rights or privileges to RTE, TG4 or third parties. In essence, the section obligates RTE and TG4 to set out their stalls as to how they will deliver on their public service mandates in the coming five-year period. Section 101(1) states: "The principle to be observed, the activities to be undertaken by the corporation in order to fulfil its public service objectives." In that regard, the phrase "public service statement" is more apt to describe the intended output under section 101, rather than "public service charter". As a consequence, I do not propose to accept amendment No. 83.

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