Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

All Members on the Government side of the House wonder whether Senator Quinn knows more about An Post than do they, given his past experience as its chairman. Moreover, while the Minister of State will have a view on the underlying text of the amendment, I support the motives behind it. It is important to realise that the efficient collection of the television licence has a direct impact on television and radio programming as it pertains to RTE. I understand the split in broadcasting revenue has changed in favour of the commercial side. This constitutes a danger, because the original concept was that public service broadcasting effectively would be funded on a 50:50 basis and that the public would pay a television licence that would largely fund RTE. Unfortunately, when commercial interests become involved, a form of creeping commercialism takes place that can dilute the public service concept. This is particularly true in the media, as Members will have witnessed in other areas.

Public service broadcasting is coming under increasing threat across Europe and anything that will improve the efficient collection of television licence fees is to be welcomed. However, I am uncertain whether this suggestion is the correct approach to take. Members on the Government benches have been considering the Cypriot example, which makes use of the electricity bill. What happens if someone has a private generator, if someone wants to opt out, or, human nature being what it is, if someone pirates electricity from others? In addition, were this method to be used, it would be necessary to consider refusals to pay licence fees on the basis of not having a television set. However, these are only minor quibbles and I do not wish to detract from the highly measured approach adopted by Senator Quinn while tabling this amendment before the House.