James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 664: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will consider the implications of the broadcasting levy, which will impact adversely on staffing levels of the independent radio sector, with jobs already being lost due to the current economic conditions and on the quality of programming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12337/10]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I refer the Deputy to the response that I provided, on the issues raised, in my reply to Questions Nos. 371, 379 and 380 on Tuesday, 9 March 2010.

As I stated at that time, I met with the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources on Thursday, 4 March 2010, where the impact of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) levy on the broadcasting sector was discussed. The Broadcasting Act 2009 requires the BAI to make an order imposing a levy on broadcasters for the purpose of meeting the Authority's expenses. At that meeting, I acknowledged the very real concerns of the broadcasting sector regarding the proposed levy at a time of considerable financial constraints for commercial and public service broadcasters alike. I also repeated my position on the need for the Authority to be vigilant in keeping costs down, particularly in the current economic climate.

I advised the Joint Committee that I am currently examining a number of potential measures with a view to alleviating the burden that would be caused by the proposed imposition of a levy and I have committed to reverting to the Committee as soon as possible in this regard.

Meanwhile the BAI is reviewing its initial budget proposal for 2010 with a view to reducing it and the Chief Executive Officer has given an undertaking to meet with the Joint Committee after this review. While setting the budget is a matter for the Authority under the Broadcasting Act 2009, my Department will liaise closely with the BAI during the review.