Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 518: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the breakdown of expenditure for the €7.4 million allocated to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland for 2010; the mechanism in place to ensure the money is spent prudently and appropriately; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3518/10]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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In accordance with section 37 of the Act, the setting of the budget for the BAI for any particular year is a matter for the Authority. While the legislation makes provision in section 37(1) for the Minister to be able to specify the form the estimates should take and any additional information as may be needed, it does not require the estimates to be submitted for specific Ministerial approval.

The budget for 2010 has been set by the BAI at €7.6 million which will be fully funded by the industry levy as provided for in the Act. Details of this budget have been submitted to my Department and I will be considering if additional information is required. In accordance with section 37(7) of the Act, this 2010 estimate of income and expenditure will be published shortly by the BAI on its website, with my consent and that of the Minister for Finance.

The BAI has indicated that the increase in the budget for 2010 over that of the 2009 budget for the BCI is as a result of the increased role given by the Oireachtas to BAI. While the BAI has taken over the functions of the BCI and the BCC, it has also been given a range of new functions additional to those held by its predecessors, mainly in relation to public service broadcasting and the provision of digital broadcasting services. The BAI has also indicated that the extent to which this budget is actually expended will depend on the level of activity of the organisation. They have confirmed that they will discharge their functions in a cost effective manner and are conscious of not imposing an undue burden on the broadcasting sector.

In this context, section 32(4) of the Broadcasting Act, requires the Authority to ensure that regulation by the Authority and the statutory committees does not involve the imposition or maintenance of unnecessary administrative burdens. In addition to including this provision in legislation, I have made it clear to the Authority the need to be particularly vigilant about keeping costs down in the current economic climate. I understand that the Authority has requested the Chief Executive to continuously review its proposed expenditure throughout 2010 with the aim of reducing it where possible. In accordance with section 33 of the Act, any surplus of levy income over expenditure in 2010 shall be offset against future levies or refunded, as appropriate.