53. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on the need for the immediate introduction of the household charge in order to create the conditions required for the sustainability of public service media and the sustainability of the independent production sector here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49174/19]

The Government has accepted the recommendations of the Working Group on the Future Funding of Public Service Broadcasting, that TV Licence collection be put out to public tender for a period of 5 years and then replaced with a device independent broadcasting charge.

I will be bringing an amendment at Committee Stage of the Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill to provide for the tendering for licence fee collection. This will help to reduce the evasion rate and increase the level of funding available for public service broadcasting and the Sound and Vision Scheme which is open to the independent production sector.