Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

This reflects my undertaking on Committee Stage to table an amendment regarding publication. I believe that it is in keeping with the spirit of the amendment proposed by Senators Quinn and Henry. This section and the amendment relate to the preparation of schemes by the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland for my approval. I have no doubt that the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland will publish the scheme, as that is fundamental to making it open to business and inviting applications. I also have no doubt that, in keeping with that well-established practice, the Commission will publish each scheme on its website.

Notwithstanding this, I agree that a specific provision should be included in the legislation requiring that each scheme be published, including by electronic means. I propose that the scheme be published by the BCI rather than by my Department, as proposed by Senators Quinn and Henry. The Bill specifically places responsibility for the preparation and implementation of the scheme on the BCI itself. For the sake of clarity, I should say that the amendment I propose would apply to all schemes. That means that it would apply to an original scheme, and, where a scheme is amended, it would apply to the new scheme.