Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

48. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her future plans for funding of RTÉ and other broadcasters and radio film and television sector operators; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24378/24]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Since taking office, this Government has ensured continued investment in the broadcasting and audiovisual sectors.

With regard to the broadcasting and public service media sectors, this Government remains committed to finally addressing the question of how to properly support public service media in a sustainable and reliable way.

As I have stated previously, we will make our decision on the future funding model known prior to the Dáil summer recess. What is paramount is that we decide on a model which is sustainable, can safeguard the independence of the media, and is publicly acceptable.

This funding model is not just for RTÉ, it is for TG4, as well as other broadcasters and media that also provide public service content. It is about the independent producers and programme makers that are indirectly supported through commissions from these broadcasters, and who are also supported through the Sound and Vision scheme which is funded through TV licence receipts.

Since taking office, an additional €28.4m in Exchequer funding has been provided to Sound and Vision to better support broadcasters and independent producers. This has included dedicated supports for the independent and local radio sector.

This Government also recognises the need to support the wider media sector, including print and online, to ensure that high quality public service content continues to be provided at national, regional and local levels.

Through the new Media Fund, these content providers will be supported by the new schemes recommended by the Future of Media Commission. This year two new schemes – for Local Democracy and Courts Reporting – will be launched by Coimisiún na Meán later this year and for which I have provided €6m this year. These are the first two of several schemes recommended by the Future of Media Commission, with other schemes, such as News Reporting, Digital Transformation, Media Access and Training and Community Media to follow.

In addition, this Government has continued to provide a wide range of other supports to the audiovisual industry. In conjunction with the Minister for Finance, Michael McGrath, changes to Section 481 tax relief further enhance Ireland’s attractiveness as a location for major international film and television projects. In particular, the increase in the cap to €125 million will restore Ireland’s ability to attract high-value, internationally mobile audio-visual projects that will generate significant employment and skills development opportunities for Irish crew. This credit has also been extended for a further four years from its previous end date of 31 December 2024 to 31 December 2028.

Increased funding for Screen Ireland will support the audiovisual industry to build and expand capacity across the country, to deliver on strategic objectives, to take account of inflation on the value of supports, provide Sustainability Funding and Audience Development initiatives, as well as providing a targeted international marketing campaign to highlight the improvements to Section 481.