John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 25:

In page 38, between lines 27 and 28, to insert the following:

"(2) The levy referred to in subsection 15 shall be capped at a maximum annual figure to be determined by the Minister, following consultation with both the Authority and the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. Such levy will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas for confirmation.".

This amendment seeks to impose a check in the system of how the levy will be used by the new broadcasting authority; that the Minister, in consultation with the relevant Oireachtas committee and the authority, be permitted to cap the levy at a maximum amount and that their discussions and deliberations and the levy be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas for confirmation.

The issue was discussed on Committee Stage. The amendment seeks to impose a check and a balance to ensure that the levy, which is set at a relatively low level, does not increase dramatically into the future. The purpose of the amendment is to ensure there is discussion and scrutiny of any proposed increase in the levy. Perhaps the Minister will clarify the issue.