1636. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport further to the annual work programme and estimates of income and expenditure submitted to him by Coimisiún na Meán, whether he will consider meeting the cost of those functions from Exchequer funding in Budget 2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62053/26]

A diverse, independent and trustworthy media sector is vital to a functioning democracy. However, so too is ensuring that regulation of the sector is also independent, and for this reason the independence of Coimisiún na Meán is enshrined in the Broadcasting Act 2009 (as amended).

There is a long-standing principle that costs of regulation are met by regulated sectors themselves. Therefore, the Broadcasting Act provides for the imposition by An Coimisiún of levies to meet the costs of its broad range of statutory functions and duties. Furthermore, the Act vests authority and responsibility for such a levy in Coimisiún na Meán.

In this regard it should be noted that neither Government nor my Department plays any role in the formulation or approval of the proposed income or expenditure of Coimisiún na Meán, or importantly in the setting of the annual levy for any category of regulated entities, including that of sound broadcasting.

It is important to note that in formulating its annual levies, An Coimisiún is required to ensure that the levies are such an amount so as to meet all expenses properly incurred in the period, and is also required to ensure proportionality in attribution of expenses and application of levies across relevant categories of regulated service providers or entities.

An Coimisiún must also have regard to a number of factors in setting the levy including the financing of a service provider and the nature and scale of its services.

In relation to potential Exchequer funding of any of Coimisiún na Mean’s activities, other than in cases where the imposition of a levy is either not permitted or not feasible, I do not intend to replace An Coimisiún’s existing levy income with direct Exchequer funding. I believe that this would run contrary to the long-standing principle that the costs of regulation are met by regulated sectors themselves. I am of the view that the costs of regulation for the sound broadcasting sector should continue to be met by the sector itself in accordance with the provisions of Section 21 of the Broadcasting Act 2009, as amended.