The GOVERNMENT failure to scrap the TV licence fee is “outdated” and “regressive” according to one Limerick senator.
Sinn Féin Senator Paul Gavan slammed the government for failing to implement the recommendation of the Future of Media Commission Report on the future of the TV licence.
Senator Gavan said that “Fianna Fáil and the Green Party supported the scrapping of the TV licence. Instead of sticking to their belief that this levy is outdated and regressive, they backed down to pressure from Fine Gael. This is undeniable proof that this government are terrified of anything that threatens the status quo.”
He continued that “the funding of original television production, vibrant national and local radio, as well as empowering local and regional journalism is critical in the coming years”.
“We need a healthy and broad range of actors from RTÉ, TG4, and Virgin Media Television, to more local radio and press, to produce high quality content of public value across a wide range of mediums including TV, radio, newspapers, and online.
“Local radio and press in Limerick could see tangible benefits from this approach,” he stated.
The Senator asked what are the “benefits in expert groups, like the Future of Media Commission, and costly reports if they are going to be ignored completely?”
“The writing is on the wall for the TV licence. It is long past time it was scrapped.”
He criticised the fact that “ordinary people (are) dragged through the courts” over unpaid licence fees, and the Minister “knows that this is wrong but refuses to stand up for these people”.
“I am calling on (government) again to ensure that RTÉ come under the remit of the Comptroller and Auditor General. It is the best way to ensure that there is full accountability in RTÉ’s accounts and financial decision-making processes.”
