Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

We must go back to the fundamentals of the Bill. One of the basic principles was that we wanted to have a level playing pitch between public sector broadcasters and commercial, independent and community broadcasters. In those circumstances it would be inappropriate, where a levy is to be applied, to fund the regulation of that level playing field in order that it would apply to one broadcaster and not to another. It is much fairer, more equitable and justifiable for it to be applied across the board. In that context, the levy can be kept at a low level in order that it does not hamper excessively any one broadcaster. I cannot accept the amendment because it goes against the fundamental principle of the Bill.

I acknowledge the Senator's instinct in terms of wishing to preserve or strengthen TG4 in whatever provisions we set out in the Bill. That is something with which I agree and I was pleased to see in last year's budget, in difficult economic times, that my Department was able to achieve a significant increase in funding for TG4, above the overall level of increased funding across other Departments. The process of TG4 funding has been determined over a number of years. I do not believe it is appropriate, nor that it would be easier, for us to change direction in terms of the structure and funding characteristics of the station at this time. We need time to give it solid back up to allow it expand its audience and to recognise that it has a commercial revenue stream and not completely dependent on funding from the Exchequer. In this fast-changing broadcasting market, however, as we move towards digital television, we need a period of stability and sound resources for TG4. That can be provided under current provisions and this Bill does not seek to change again the direction for the broadcaster.