Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

The amendment relates to the levy imposed on broadcasters by the BAI to meet its expenses. As I indicated on Committee Stage, I believe the levy is justified and appropriate. Also, the BAI should not seek, through a levy on broadcasters, to obtain funds greater than those it requires.

As I outlined on Committee Stage, the legislation places sufficient strictures on the BAI in this regard. In the case of regulators, for most sectors funded by a levy, it is not standard practise for the Minister to have powers to cap that levy. I do not propose to accept the amendment. However, I believe that accountability in regard to levies is important and I will ask my officials to consider this matter further before the Bill is enacted.