Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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199. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will consider abolishing a payment (details supplied) due to the rising cost of living; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44657/22]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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A diverse, vibrant and independent media sector is vital to our democracy and society as a whole, and this has never been more evident than over the past number of years. The important role the sector plays was underlined in the report of the Future of Media Commission, which also highlighted the value which the public places on public service media content.

The Commission's report highlighted the necessity of continued, and sustainable, public funding, particularly at a time when advertising revenues are falling for traditional media platforms, and have made recommendations in this regard. While the Commission recommended a move to a fully-Exchequer funded model, Government is of the opinion that any funding model should retain and build on the existing revenue stream from the sale of TV licences which provides an important direct link between broadcasters and the Irish public, and one which has underpinned the independence of the broadcasting sector. Government has agreed to establish a Technical Working Group to examine the necessary reform required of the current TV licence system to properly provide for the funding requirements of public service media in Ireland. The Group has commenced its work and will report to Government on its progress in November.

The Government is currently considering a range of measures to bring forward in Budget 2023 to assist households in meeting the rising costs of living.