David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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223. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when he plans to move the Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill 2019 to Committee Stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49230/19]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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The Broadcasting Amendment Bill 2019 provides for:

- the part funding of the BAI through TV licence receipts so as to reduce the levy burden on broadcasters,

- the creation of a new funding scheme that would allow the granting of bursaries to journalists in local or community radio stations,

- the BAI to retain part of the levy to fund its working capital requirements and allows them the scope to determine exemptions and deferrals to the levy.

In addition, I have received Government approval to bring an amendment at Committee stage that will allow TV licence collection to be put out to public tender. I intend to seek Government approval for the drafting of this Head before year end, with a view to introducing the necessary amendment at Committee stage early in the New Year.