Public service broadcasting debate
Patrick O’Donovan seeks a debate on public service broadcasting and support for commercial and community radio stations. The Taoiseach says the broadcasting-charge change will not occur this year and that the Whips may arrange a debate after committee consideration.
Can I ask the Taoiseach about the broadcasting Bill? I understand the aim of this legislation is to introduce a broadcasting charge. I gather from media reports that the Minister is now looking at the possibility of deferring it. Would it be possible to have a debate in the House on the current definition of public service broadcasting, which excludes every commercial and community-based radio station across the country? Given that these stations provide an invaluable service, would the Taoiseach consider allocating time in the House for such a debate? At the moment, some €240 million is raised through the television licence fee, of which RTE gets €180 million.
Comment on this
No. That is what I am getting to, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle. I wonder whether the Taoiseach might consider allocating time for a debate in the House on the whole construct of public service broadcasting in 2015.
Comment on this
I have answered this already. For Deputy O'Donovan's information, the Government considered a number of reports yesterday in respect of RTE. The Minister has been speaking this morning about a replacement situation in respect of a broadcasting licence. That will not happen this year. I would expect that RTE will be called before the Oireachtas committee arising from the reports. If the Minister wishes to have a debate here in the House arising from those reports, there will not be any objection to that. Maybe the Whips could arrange that at an appropriate time.