Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 77: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position in regard to the separation of TG4 from RTÉ; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38794/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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The Government is committed to supporting the development of Irish language broadcasting, and to the establishment of TG4 as an independent public service broadcaster.

In mid 2005 I appointed consultants to assist in the preparation of a detailed implementation plan for the establishment of TG4 as an independent entity. The consultants submitted their final report to my Department by end 2005. This report outlined the most appropriate methodology and structure for giving effect to the separation of the assets and trade of TG4 from RTÉ and establishing TG4 as an independent entity.

Following consideration of this report, the Government has agreed to establish TG4 as an independent body as provided for in Part VI of the Broadcasting Act, 2001 on 1 April 2007.

A Project Management Group, chaired by the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and comprising representatives of the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, RTÉ and TG4, has been appointed to oversee the implementation of this task. Good progress has been achieved by the Group to date.

I am glad to say that, on this, the tenth anniversary of TG4's first broadcast, I have been able to secure the provision of an additional funding for TG4 in 2007 of the order of €2.5million. It is also proposed that similar increases would be provided for in each of the years 2008-2010. This additional funding will allow TG4 to improve its Irish language schedule and reduce its repeat ratio.