Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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The media sector, and public service media in particular, plays a vital role in our society, supporting cultural development, societal well-being, and the functioning of our democracy. As such it is important that is supported by a sustainable funding model.

The Future of Media Commission had recommended Exchequer funding. Government decided instead to establish a Technical Working Group in order to assess potential options to reform the existing TV licence system. The Technical Group reported to me in March of last year and while high level discussions on the Group’s report had commenced, a final decision was necessarily paused pending the conclusion of the work of the two independent expert advisory committees into governance and culture, and HR and other matters at RTÉ which were established last July. This is because of the importance of re-establishing trust in RTÉ and assurance with regard to governance and other reforms alongside a new funding model.

Given the impact this controversy has had on TV licence revenues, I believe that the Exchequer option is worthy of further consideration. It is important to remember that the Exchequer already provides significant funding to public service media. Last year, more than half of spending on public service broadcasting was Exchequer.

It is also important to note that all models have a potential risk of political interference, including setting the rate of any licence fee or charge. In recommending Exchequer funding, the Future of Media Commission set out safeguards that can be put in place in order to maintain media independence and minimise risk of political interference, such as:

• Multi-annual funding levels established and recommended by the independent regulator, Coimisiún na Meán;
• Limited scope for Government rejection of funding levels; and
• A stronger role for An Coimisiún in setting performance targets for RTE and TG4 – these are currently set by the broadcasters themselves with review and analysis performed by An Coimisiún.

Direct Exchequer or tax based support for public service media does exist elsewhere and a system based solely on ownership of a TV is now in the minority across Europe. The continuing shift in media consumption trends, together with the fall in TV licence receipts since the summer, further underlines the fact that a licence model, linked to a TV, is now longer appropriate or viable.

What I want to ensure is that we implement a sustainable funding model, that protects media independence and is publicly acceptable. This Government is committed to delivering on this much needed reform, and as I have stated previously, a decision will be made following the receipt of the reports of the two independent expert advisory committees and no later than the Summer.