Alex White (Labour)

I move amendment No. 97:

In page 117, lines 10 to 18, to delete subsection (15) and substitute the following:

"(15) In the first financial year following the year of the passing of this Act, a minimum of 1.25 per cent of the monies paid into the account shall be used by RTÉ for the purpose of—

(a) commissioning the making of independent sound broadcasting programmes,

(b) procuring the formulation by persons of proposals for the commissioning by RTÉ of the making of the above programmes,

and for no other purpose.

The percentage specified above shall be increased to 2 per cent in the second financial year, 3 per cent in the third financial year, 4 per cent in the fourth financial year and 5 per cent in the fifth financial year following the year of the passing of this Act. It shall remain at 5 per cent minimum in each subsequent financial year.".

I hope my earlier effusive praise for the Bill will stand me in good stead as I put forward this proposal. I strongly urge the Minister of State to accept this amendment. I welcome the inclusion — for the first time in legislation, as far as I am aware — of a provision for an independent radio production sector. There has been much discussion in the course of this debate and elsewhere about the importance of the independent television production sector. That sector has rightly been promoted and funded under the provisions of several Bills. However, we have never properly addressed the necessity of supporting and funding an independent radio production sector.

We are all agreed that we should have the maximum number and range of voices on the air. This issue was first raised in the mid-1980s when there was a debate about promoting diversity in broadcasting. It arose first in reference to news and current affairs programming but it is relevant across the board, in culture, the arts and so on. There must be a diversity of voices contributing to the airwaves in both the public and private sectors.

The provision in section 116 (15) is welcome as a first step. It states:

In each of the five financial years following the year of the passing of this Act a minimum of €500,000 standing to the credit of the account shall be used by RTÉ for the purpose of—

(a) commissioning the making of independent sound broadcasting programmes,

(b) procuring the formulation by persons of proposals for the commissioning by RTÉ of the making of the above programmes,

and for no other purpose.

My amendment proposes that instead of a fixed sum of €500,000, a minimum of 1.25% of the moneys paid into the relevant account should be used by RTE for the purpose of commissioning and making independent sound broadcasting programmes and procuring the formulation by persons of proposals for the commissioning by RTÉ of the making of these programmes, and for no other purpose. It further proposes that this percentage should rise in gradations in subsequent years, to a 5% minimum in the fifth year, at which level it will remain in each subsequent financial year.

It is extremely important that we support the significant work being done by independent radio producers in producing material for broadcast by RTE and local radio stations. There would be no documentaries on local radio were it not for the work of independent radio producers. We are aware that the infrastructure and paraphernalia involved in television production is vastly more expensive than what is required for radio. That is all the more reason not to consign radio to the bottom of our priorities. It is vital that the funds are available to support and promote independent radio production. I am advised by people in the industry that if the provision of €500,000 is maintained, a huge proportion of it, perhaps as much as one half, will be needed simply to manage and administer the unit in RTE before a programme is ever put on air.

According to my amendment, even after five years, 95% of the budget will still be allocated for television production. What is envisaged is a relatively modest target of 5% after five years. Radio will continue to play catch-up with television. Television is incredibly important in terms of the fantastic service it can offer in sports, current affairs, film and so on. However, radio has shown itself to be an extraordinarily enduring medium. Radio audiences in this State have increased with the introduction of independent radio. There is great support and affection for radio.

Support for the independent radio production sector must go further than what is provided in the Bill. The provision under section 116(15) must be increased from €500,000 to a level that can deliver results. I should mention that I have a background in this area, having worked in RTE for many years, where I had the privilege of training young people in radio production. It was amazing to observe the fantastic level of innovation and creativity that is out there and the enthusiasm that exists for making radio programmes. Why should it be that only those who work in RTE get a chance to make those programmes? There must be real diversity in this medium. I strongly commend my amendment to the Minister of State. I hope he takes it on board.