Michael Ahern (Cork East, Fianna Fail)

I welcome the new Members, namely, Senators Boyle, Bacik, Alex White, Ryan, Prendergast and de Búrca and wish them many years of satisfactory public service in the Seanad. I am sure some of them will go further in the years ahead.

As for the present debate, I have listened with great interest to the comments made in the House. Many issues have been raised that will be examined and considered in greater depth on Committee Stage. In response to one question raised, I can confirm it is envisaged the scheme will be funded from the Exchequer. Another question pertained to retrospection and none is intended in this regard. As for Senator Bacik's question regarding a cap, such a cap will be included in the regulations.

Senator Ross raised the question of an advisory board, as well as issues regarding the regulations. Although he is not in the Chamber at present, I can provide some examples as I have a list to hand of what will be included in the system. The public lending remuneration scheme to be introduced will be based on the United Kingdom model and will involve a system of individual payments to authors based on actual loans. The rate of payment will depend on the contribution of the individual. While the rate of payment per loan has yet to be decided on, it may be in the range from 10 cent to 15 cent and minimum and maximum payments will be determined. Authors will be required to register for whatever payment is being claimed and the regulations will contain other conditions. Senator Ross has returned to the Chamber. I have just mentioned the clarifications he sought on the regulations.