Seanad debates
Wednesday, 7 October 2015
Broadcasting and Media in Ireland: Statements (Resumed)
10:30 am
Tony Mulcahy (Fine Gael)
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For clarification, I would not support a subsidy for local radio stations because we already collect one for a certain organisation and then subdivide it among another 32. This is, in effect, a subsidy as well. I am absolutely in favour of the abolition of the 2% levy but I do not believe in subsidising commercial enterprises. I do not see the sense of collecting the licence fee and then apportioning it across 32 other organisations.
Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)
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It is already happening under sound and vision. Some 7% is going towards the independent sector.
Tony Mulcahy (Fine Gael)
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That is €3.7 million.
Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)
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The wall has been breached.
Tony Mulcahy (Fine Gael)
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There is some service for that but I am not in favour of a block transfer. We must be careful that we do not end up using the licence fee to subsidise 35 organisations.
Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)
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Surely the Senator wants to improve local news and sport.
Terry Brennan (Fine Gael)
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I am sorry but I should not have allowed Senator Mulcahy in.
Tony Mulcahy (Fine Gael)
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I am absolutely in favour of the abolition of the 2% levy but I do not believe in subsidising the others organisations.
Terry Brennan (Fine Gael)
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That concludes the debate.