Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 31: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his preferred options for the future of broadcasting by way of radio and television; the methodology envisaged to fund the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8378/05]

Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 37: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans for the future of the broadcasting industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8382/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 31 and 37 together.

I refer the Deputy to my reply to today's Question No. 7. My core policy objectives for the development of the broadcasting sector are detailed in my Department's statement of strategy 2003 to 2005. These objectives are: to create an environment that encourages the maintenance of high quality Irish radio and television services by both independent broadcasters and RTE; to secure a viable future for high quality public service broadcasting; to seek to retain access to a range of high quality programming in analogue and digital form, on a universal and free-to-air basis.

My key priorities for achieving these objectives include the following: developing the regulatory framework by bringing forward a Bill to provide for the establishment of a single content regulator for both public and private broadcasters and to establish RTE on the lines of a company under the Companies Acts; taking steps to establish TG4 as an independent entity; ensuring adequate public funding for RTE and TG4 so that they can deliver on their statutory mandate; building on progress made in maximising the effectiveness of television licence fee collection; developing proposals to ensure that in a digital era Irish viewers continue to enjoy access to a range of high quality programming; and bringing forward proposals for the future licensing of radio services in Ireland.

I am of the opinion that Irish viewers will be best served by a broadcasting environment that includes a strong public service broadcasting presence in the form of RTE and an independent TG4, together with private broadcasters. Digital television offers opportunities for Irish viewers to avail of an increased number of broadcasting services, including new services of particular relevance or interest to Irish audiences.