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SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, September 09, 2013

MOTION NO.11

MOTION: Councillor T. Gilligan

That this council opposes the new broadcasting "iPad" charge

REPORT:

The Programme for Government commits to 'examin[ing] the role, and collection of, the TV licence fee in light of existing and projected convergence of broadcasting technologies, transform the TV licence into a household-based Public Broadcasting Charge applied to all households and applicable businesses, regardless of the device they use to access content and review new ways of TV licence collection, including the possibility of paying in instalments through another utility bill (electricity or telecom), collection by local authorities, Revenue or new contract with An Post.'

Work carried out by the Department of Communications, Energy & Natural Resources led to the development of proposals for the introduction of a device-independent Public Service Broadcasting (PSB) Charge. These proposals were subsequently considered by an independently-chaired Value For Money (VFM) Policy Review Group and informed its deliberations and the recommendations contained in its Report. The Public Service Broadcasting (PSB) Charge Consultation Document has been developed on the basis of the work that has been already undertaken by the Department on this issue and on the Report of the VFM Review Group. The Minister for Communications, Energy & Natural Resources, Mr Pat Rabbitte, TD, now invites comments and/or observations from all interested parties, including individuals, organisations, companies, and broadcasters, on any or all of the issues outlined in the Consultation Document, which is available at the following link:

http://www.dcenr.gov.ie/Broadcasting/Consultation+on+Public+Service+Broadcasting+Charge/

Where respondents are making submissions they are requested to elaborate on their answers and to provide background for their submissions, where possible. The Consultation Document sets out a series of specific issues on which the Minister is seeking the views of respondents. Respondents are asked to address as many of the issues as they can with separate responses on each issue, as opposed to one narrative submission dealing with all the issues together. This approach is aimed at facilitating the Minister's consideration of the responses received. It should be noted that respondents are free to provide additional comments or observations on any matters that they consider relevant to the consultation.

The deadline for receipt of submissions is close of business on 8th October 2013 

Should the motion be agreed a copy of the motion will be forwarded to the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.