Joe O'Toole (Independent)

No, I am not. Attention to detail is important. I appreciate what is being done here.

TG4 is a minority station dealing with a minority group. It is ludicrous to require it to pay such a levy. It does not make sense that it could be subject to a levy. I accept that under the section as drafted, a levy could be imposed from which TG4 could be exempted. I would like it to be explicitly provided that it would not have to cope with such a levy. TG4 is struggling and is producing programmes on a shoestring. Many of us in this House have dealt with TG4 over the years and there is no fat in the station's programme production. It does a fabulous job against all the odds. It is unfair that they might be subject to the levy. It would be easy for the Minister to accept this amendment and say that TG4 should be excluded. I will not go on at length. I know the Minister supports the station and such support is universal around the House. I ask him therefore to give it some clarity and space, and a bit of rope to ensure it will not be held subject to a levy at any time in the future. This should not be left to the discretion of a broadcasting authority or any other group but should be simply by decision of the Oireachtas.