Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

The TV licence was introduced in 1961 to provide funding for the newly established Telefís Éireann. While previous Governments have not addressed fundamental reform of the TV licence system, this Government is determined to bring forward real change and I am committed to reform of the licence fee within the lifespan of this Government. As the Taoiseach stated, a long-term funding model is needed to deliver effective reform and secure funding for public service media. It is my intention that legislation to underpin this will be brought before Government and the Oireachtas next year.

As I outlined in my response to Deputy Ó Snodaigh earlier, the Future of Media Commission was tasked with making recommendations on a sustainable public funding model for public service media. The commission noted three main funding models, which are a TV Licence, a universal charge, or direct Exchequer funding. While the commission recommended a direct Exchequer funding model, Government decided to establish a technical working group to examine options for the reform and enhancement of the current system. The working group submitted its report to me at the end of March. While discussions with relevant senior Cabinet colleagues have been ongoing on the matter, the events at RTÉ meant that a final decision has been paused until the expert advisory committees that Government appointed to carry out the reviews into RTÉ have completed their work. Those reports are expected in February.

It would not be appropriate for me to discuss the details of any discussions to date, or the options put forward by the technical working group, until Government has completed its consideration of the matter. I can say that it is imperative that we deliver a secure and sustainable source of funding and all options need to be considered. Public service media and content are vital to our society and democracy. As the Future of Media Commission pointed out, they are a critical part of public infrastructure. It, therefore, remains of vital importance that people continue to purchase their TV licence, which funds free-to-air, quality public service content for audiences in Ireland, including through the sound and vision scheme, which is open to all broadcasters.

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