Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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I obtained Government approval earlier this year to draft a number of legislative amendments to the Broadcasting Act, 2009, including amendments to allow for the tendering of TV Licence fee collection.  As the Deputy is aware, the proposed amendments are currently under Pre-Legislative Scrutiny by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Climate Action & Environment and I await a report from the Committee in this regard.

The Committee is also considering the longer term issue of the future funding of public service media. The Committee's work is ongoing and a very useful consultative forum on this important topic was hosted by the Committee on 7 July this year. I look forward to receiving the Committee’s report which will inform consideration of future funding options and I intend to bring proposals to Government at an early date following receipt of the report.

In the meantime, there will be no change to the existing TV licence fee arrangements and An Post continues to work as the issuing agent for television licences in accordance with Section 145 of the Act.