The Government decision to introduce the broadcasting fund was taken at the same time as the decision to significantly increase the public funding available to RTE through the television licence fee. These two measures should be considered together. The decision to substantially increase the level of public funding for RTE was a clear indication of the Government's commitment to the principle of public service broadcasting. It was also a clear indication of the Government's resolve that the people of Ireland should continue to be guaranteed a minimum level of high quality programming that is of interest and relevance to an Irish audience. I am of the view that as we move increasingly to a digital era there remains a compelling case for providing the national public service broadcaster with adequate funds to continue to deliver the type of service that Irish audiences deserve and expect.