Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 19: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his position on the funding allocated to independent radio production in the independent programme account as set out in section 116 of the Broadcasting Bill 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21359/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The Broadcasting Bill 2008 proposes a number of legislative initiatives to support the development of the independent production sector, including TV, film and radio in Ireland.

Section 25 sets the new single content regulator, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI), the objective of stimulating the provision of high quality, diverse and innovative programming by independent producers. Section 112 requires RTÉ and TG4 to prepare a Code of Fair Trading Practice outlining how they will go about commissioning programmes from the independent production sector. These codes will be subject to review by the BAI and by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, and must address RTÉ and TG4's approach to multi-annual commissioning, the acquisition of rights and the timing of contractual negotiations.

Section 116 of the Bill increases the minimum level of expenditure required of RTÉ in respect of independent production to €40 million annually, and for the first time sets a minimum level for independent radio production of €0.5 million per annum for an initial period of five years.

These initiatives along with the continuance of the Sound and Vision Scheme under Part 10 of the Bill will serve to facilitate the development of the independent production sector in Ireland, adding to the diversity of voices and creative ideas that populate the Irish airwaves. I further understand that under the Sound and Vision Scheme some €4.3m has been awarded to radio projects to date.

As I stated at second stage in the Seanad, I am anxious to garner the views of Senators and Deputies as to the appropriate statutory interventions in respect of developing the independent production sector in Ireland.

I recognise that there is a balance to be struck reconciling the legitimate interests of public service broadcasters and those of the independent production sector. The burden on the licence fee payer and on the generality of taxpayers must also be taken into account. Overall, I consider that the existing and proposed new provisions demonstrate a strong commitment by Government to the independent production sector.