Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity) | Oireachtas source

I want to raise the issue of the so-called broadcasting charge. In response to a parliamentary question I submitted, I was told on 22 March:

Government agreed to establish a Technical Working Group to examine the necessary reform required of the current TV licence system to properly provide for the funding requirements of public service media in Ireland. The Group commenced its work in September last year and is expected to report to me [the Minister] at the end of this month [March] after which the report will be considered by Government.

I am opposed to the current television licence system and I am opposed to a broadcasting charge that includes phones, laptops and so on. I am in favour of a digital tax on the digital media corporations that are making super profits in this State at the moment. I am also in favour of increased funding for public service media. Has that report been submitted yet to the Minister? If not, when does the Taoiseach now expect it?

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