Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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5. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if the Commission on the Future of Irish Public Service Broadcasting plans to prioritise and expedite the matter of the licence fee; when the commission will report on same; her views on implementing the recommendations of the report regarding the licence fee; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28045/20]

Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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I ask the Minister if she can confirm whether the commission on the future of Irish public service broadcasting intends to prioritise and expedite the matter of the licence fee in its work, when the commission is expected to report on this section of its work, if the Minister will commit to implementing the recommendations of that report regarding the licence fee and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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The programme for Government has expanded the remit of the public service broadcasting commission to become a future of media commission to consider the future of print, broadcast and online media on a platform-agnostic fashion. The programme for Government calls for a report within nine months on the measures that need to be taken to ensure there is a vibrant, independent public service media for the next generation. It notes that the current funding model for public service broadcasting is inefficient and the commission will publish recommendations.

The commission is being established by the Department of the Taoiseach in liaison with my Department, and the terms of reference and membership were approved by the Government on 29 September. The goal of the independent commission is to identify what the Irish experience has been in delivering the above aims through public service broadcasters, or broadcasters, print and online media at a local, regional and national levels, and the challenges created for these media by new global platforms and change in audience preference for the delivery of content. It will consider the extent to which the current models of delivery are appropriate for the next ten years and review the best practice in other comparable jurisdictions, particularly across the European economic area, in terms of providing future-proofed models for meeting the above public services in light of changing audience expectations, in particular the preferences and behaviours of younger audiences.

Within this context, the commission will examine how these aims can be delivered in a way that is sustainable, give greater security of funding, ensure independent editorial oversight and deliver value for money to the public. It will also make recommendations on RTÉ's role, financing and structure within this framework. It is expected that the commission will engage in a wide-ranging consultation with all relevant stakeholders and sectors to ensure that all relevant perspectives are considered in its work.

In light of its remit, I expect that the licence fee will be among the issues examined by the commission. I believe it is important to allow the commission the time and space to undertake its work and any recommendations made about the funding model and licence fee will be considered by the Government. In the meantime, An Post, which acts as my issuing agent for licence fee collection, will continue to sell television licences and free licences will continue to be issued by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection to qualifying applicants under the household benefit scheme.

Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Maintaining robust public service broadcasting has never been more important, given fake news and other interference in the media. RTÉ and TG4 have significant funding gaps, to the tune of €30 million and €4 million, respectively. I am sure that the loss of advertising revenue during the Covid-19 period has made the situation worse.

It is also important to note the importance of TG4 as a public service broadcaster. I hope that the work of the commission will support it to grow and continue to produce excellent programming, as well as provide vital jobs in Gaeltacht areas and the television production sector.

I know that RTÉ was given €10 million in additional funding last year but it is still well short of the €30 million deficit. The licence fee needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency, as has been flagged up by all sectors.

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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The future of the media commission also has consideration of the Irish language and media within its remit. I made sure to have someone on the commission who is fluent in Irish and works in the sector. I recognise the work TG4 has done in providing an important source of news, education and public service information during this time, maintaining and adapting its schedule to respond to its audience needs despite the production challenge posed by the health restrictions. The delivery of broadcasting services through the medium of Irish plays a vital role in the implementation of the Government's 20-year strategy for the Irish language and TG4 has been essential in that regard. TG4 plays an important role in bringing Irish language and culture to Irish-speaking audiences, providing innovative and relevant content through television and its online services. In addition, as a publisher and broadcaster, it also provides valuable support to the Irish creative sector, spending €23 million in 2019. I look forward to the recommendations of the commission in this regard.

As the Deputy said, there is a need to support quality journalism and media now more than ever. I am committed to doing so and that includes RTÉ but I do not want to pre-empt the work of the commission.

Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Yesterday's announcement laid out a wide remit for the commission. My question relates to the urgent matter of the licence fee. The wide remit of the commission is welcome and we need to examine all aspects of the media. I also hope to see print journalists appointed to the commission; they have been omitted so far. The real issue concerning all the areas that have been flagged is the need to address the licence fee.

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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I thank the Deputy. As I said, the licence fee will be discussed in the context of the commission. I do not want to interfere with the work of the commission.

I am aware that evasion is currently estimated to be at 12.57% even though An Post makes every effort to bring the evaders into the licence pool with reminder notifications and inspections. There is also an increasing number of homes, approximately 11%, which have televisions and do not pay a fee.

I cannot pre-empt the work of a commission, the members of which will serve really well. The NUJ has written to me and sent me its report, which I will bring to the attention of the chair of the future of media commission. As I said, there will be extensive engagement with all stakeholders. The print sector was added to the commission as an acknowledgement by the Government that it is at risk. We have to acknowledge that and see how best to provide a road forward for it.