There is a commitment in the programme for Government that we - or rather the Government - will replace the television licence with a public service broadcasting charge. There is anxiety among the public that perhaps the household benefits package will not cover the charge, so will the Tánaiste indicate when the legislation will come forward? Will some clarity be given in advance to the issue concerning elderly people in particular?

The issues can be discussed when the legislation is before the House.

The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources completed a value-for-money policy review on the proposals earlier this year and the Minister launched a public consultation on the proposals on 27 August. The consultation will run until 8 October, and following that the Minister will bring legislative proposals to the Government by the end of the year.