Written answers

Thursday, 26 January 2012

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Television Licence Fee

5:00 pm

Photo of Billy TimminsBilly Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 133: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the broadcasting charge (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4670/12]

Photo of Pat RabbittePat 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 technologies and to transforming the TV licence into a household based Public Broadcasting Charge to be applied to all eligible households and applicable businesses, regardless of the device used to access content.

In line with this commitment, my Department is currently examining both the effectiveness and efficiency of the existing model of television licence fee collection in the context of the changing technological environment. It is also examining the applicability to the situation in Ireland of various international models for the funding of public service broadcasting.

Although subject to a degree of evasion, the existing TV licence fee system has provided a stable funding base for our public service broadcasters. The rationale for providing State funding for public service broadcasting is to provide an independent and reliable income flow that allows these corporations to attain their public service objects while ensuring they can maintain editorial independence. This is especially important in the context of news and current affairs.

The overall aim of Public Service Broadcasting is to provide services and content which cater for all interests in society, while ensuring that the varied elements of Irish culture and its intrinsic values are protected. Through the obligations placed on the Public Service Broadcasters and the criteria set for the funding of content through the Sound & Vision Scheme, the production of quality indigenous programming and the production of minority interests can be assured.

Whatever the system of funding, the rationale for providing funding will continue to apply and any changes that may be implemented on foot of the review must continue to provide a secure funding base for public service broadcasting and content, whilst also recognising the reality of new mechanisms to access such content and its pervasiveness in today's society. The principle underlying the proposal for the introduction of a Public Broadcasting Charge on eligible households and applicable businesses is that publicly-funded public service broadcasting is a public good and, as such, is of benefit to society in general.

Publicly-funded public service broadcasting and content are now available to everyone on an ever-increasing range of platforms and devices (radio, television, smart phone, pc, laptop and many other devices) and, in fact, access is not dependent on the ownership of a device. In short, everyone benefits from the availability of these services, regardless of how content is accessed or relayed to the public, and, therefore, it is my view that the cost should be borne by society as a whole.

All households and businesses will be subject to the charge, except for those that are specifically exempted. The issue of exemptions under any new Irish system is one which will have to be given detailed consideration when the type of model to be developed is agreed. That said, it is my expectation that the current exemptions in relation to pensioners and those entitled to the Household Benefit Package will continue to apply.

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