Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 55: 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. [28010/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Section 116 of the Broadcasting Bill 2008, as passed by Seanad Éireann, requires RTÉ to expend, by 2013, a minimum of 3% of the value of the independent production account on commissioning programming from independent radio producers.

This provision aims to ensure that RTÉ fully engages with the independent radio production sector to the benefit of all, including RTÉ, independent radio producers and most importantly, the listening public.

I have no doubt that over time, such engagement will result in commissioning in excess of the statutory requirement, as has been the case with independent television production.

The Bill also provides other mechanisms to facilitate the development of the independent radio production sector in Ireland. Section 25 sets the new single content regulator, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, the objective of stimulating the provision of high quality, diverse and innovative programming by independent producers.

Section 112 requires RTÉ to prepare a Code of Fair Trading Practice outlining how it will go about commissioning programmes from the independent production sector.

These initiatives along with the continuance of the Sound and Vision Scheme under Part 10 of the Bill will serve to add to the diversity of voices and creative ideas that populate the Irish airwaves.