Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

A quota system was also introduced in South Africa in July of this year. Difficulties have arisen with the implementation of this quota. The Johannesburg based station Metro FM, for example, has lost over 3 million listeners since the introduction of a quota as its play lists have changed significantly. This is a serious loss of revenue and not a situation I would like to see in Ireland when stations are already having to compete with Internet radio and online streaming.

It is my view that the best approach to be followed on this issue is one that takes account of all the relevant stakeholders, where we can have direct engagement with the radio sector with a view to establishing a mutually acceptable treatment of Irish music. That approach is likely to produce a far more successful and sustainable position on this issue, rather than seeking the imposition of an artificial quota.

At my request, the Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment is currently carrying out a broad review of the funding of public service broadcasting in Ireland, including a public consultation and engagement with relevant stakeholders. One suggestion that has arisen from the committee’s discussions has been the creation of a forum on broadcasting, and I have confirmed to the committee my support for this proposal.

This is an important issue which requires careful consideration. It affects both the Irish music industry and the Irish radio industry. That is the reason I oppose the Bill and suggest that the issue be discussed in the proposed forum, which would be a more appropriate course of action rather than seeking a legislative solution that would have the opposite outcome to what the Deputy is seeking to achieve. I accept the principle of what Deputy Penrose is saying. I have said that to him privately. I have told him that the major challenge has been the definition. I agree with Deputy Penrose that we should use the collective wisdom of our legislators. That is why I suggest to him that he should allow the committee, through the proposed forum on broadcasting, to come forward with recommendations that deal practically with the issues he has raised.

I accept that we need to look at this and I am prepared to work with Deputy Penrose and the committee to see how we can progress this issue in a real and practical manner. The difficulty, as I have said to Deputy Penrose privately and publicly, is the issue of the definition. This issue was examined over many years by a number of Ministers. Deputy Penrose is aware of the difficulties in coming up with a definition. If someone can come up with one that is workable, I am prepared to consider it but let the collective wisdom of the legislators be used. It should be discussed via the forum on broadcasting to see if we should go down the legislative route or if there is another mechanism through the licensing of the broadcasters that we can use to achieve the same goal regarding it. For that reason, I cannot accept the Bill.

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