Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 306: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans for a review of the television licence system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11270/11]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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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.