Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 13: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to redefine the parameters under which households are obliged to hold a television licence; if so, the changes envisaged; the impact he envisages such changes will have on households throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10882/11]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As I am sure the Deputy is aware, the current TV licence system is that, except for certain classes of social welfare recipients, if you own a television set in Ireland you are liable to pay a television licence. An Post is currently responsible for the collection of television licence fees and for identifying those persons who have unlicensed televisions sets.

The Programme for Government commits to examining the role and collection of, the TV Licence Fee in light of existing and projected convergence of broadcasting technologies and to transform the TV licence into a household based Public Broadcasting Charge to be applied to all households and applicable businesses, regardless of the device they use to access content.

In line with this commitment, my Department is currently undertaking an exercise whereby it is examining both the effectiveness and efficiency of the current model of television licence fee collection, in the context of the changing technological environment, and examining the efficiency of various international models for the funding of public service broadcasting. The results of the exercise will be an analysis of the most effective models in terms of efficiency, capability to fund our public service broadcasting service and equity of applicability.

I would emphasise the need to provide certainty as regards the funding base for public service broadcasting. The licence fee has provided much certainty although it is subject to a certain degree of evasion.

Any changes that may be proposed and implemented must continue to provide a secure base for public service broadcasting funding whilst also recognising the reality of new mechanisms to access TV content.

The scope of work being carried out under this review is quite extensive. Nevertheless, I expect to receive recommendations arising out of this review by year end and, following that, work will begin on developing any necessary legislative proposals that might be required to facilitate the implementation of any recommendations that I decide to take forward.

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 14: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if, in view of the licence fee paid through the Exchequer to RTÉ, he has issued any instruction or has had any discussions with the chairman of RTÉ regarding the remuneration of RTÉ staff including those on labour only contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10830/11]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

RTÉ is an independent national public service broadcaster whose remit and obligations are set out in the Broadcasting Act 2009.

Section 114 (1) of the Broadcasting Act 2009 states the principal objects and associated powers of RTÉ and Section 98 provides that it shall be independent in the pursuance of these objects, subject to the requirements of the Act. As such I, as Minister, have no function in RTÉ's management of day to day matters including general staff remuneration and contracts. These are purely matters for RTÉ management who no doubt seek to manage their full cost base in a way that ensures the financial sustainability of the company.