Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

I do not think the Minister is correct in his interpretation because if one considers lines 10, 11 and 12 on page 4, it is stated that what is termed a "premium rate service licence" means "a licence authorising a premium rate service provider to provide a premium". In other words, a premium rate service provider has to have a licence according to section 4, which is at the bottom of page 5. The reference by the Minister to the definition of a "premium rate service provider" under paragraph (c) is someone who has applied for a licence to do that. A broadcaster will not have done that, so it does not come under that definition. That is why broadcasters take on a hired gun who has gone to the trouble of getting a licence, as broadcasters do not get the licence themselves.

See this speech in context