Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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228. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to outline his plans for reducing the broadcasting levy on independent radio stations; his views on whether the current rate of the levy is an unjustifiable burden on independent radio stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22302/17]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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I recognise the important role that independent broadcasters play in our society and the service they provide.

Section 33 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 provides for the making of a levy order by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) for the purposes of meeting the expenses of the Authority and its Committees in undertaking the performance of its statutory functions. The funding provided through the levy by all relevant commercial, public and community broadcasters is vital to the proper functioning of the Authority.

I have obtained Government approval to proceed with the drafting of a number of legislative amendments to the Broadcasting Act 2009, including amendment to the provisions of the Act relating to the broadcasting levy which will help to alleviate the levy burden on broadcasters.