Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is clear from this morning's debate that everybody in the House shares the concerns raised in the motion. The Opposition and Government agree and recognise the important part that independent radio stations play in society and the difficulties they are facing. As highlighted in the motion today, 83% of the population listen to radio daily. Radio stations, whether national or local, make an enormous contribution to the lives of individuals and communities, and we should work very hard to make sure that this valuable service continues in every way. As the Minister outlined, the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment is working on a range of issues in this area that are close to completion. The working group established to examine the Oireachtas Joint Committee's recommendations on the future funding of public service broadcasting is almost complete. The Minister looks forward to the findings of this group and the recommendations that will be made.

The Minister also wishes to point out that independent radio stations have benefited from the BAI sound and vision scheme funded by the licence fee. The motion also calls on the Minister to implement a reduction in the broadcasting levy by June 2019. I and others am aware that this measure is highly anticipated by broadcasters and everybody here in the House but this cannot take place until the Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill 2018 containing these amendments is enacted. The Office of the Parliamentary Counsel is working towards its finalisation and publication, at which point it will be brought through the legislative process in the House.

I and all Deputies on this side of the House are hopeful that there will be all-party support for it when it is brought before the Dáil and the Seanad.

Like Deputy Niall Collins, I and other Members from Limerick listen to Limerick's Live95FM and the other stations in the mid-west region every day and I appreciate the difficulties faced by the independent broadcasting sector. That is the reason we are here today. The Minister and the Department are working to ensure that positive changes are made and to provide the necessary and relevant assistance. Progress is being made in this area. I thank Deputy Dooley and other Members who brought forward this motion and contributed to the debate on this important issue which affects people across regional, rural and other parts of Ireland.

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