Subtitles to aid the deaf or hard of hearing are to be provided in more television programmes, under the terms of a new broadcasting Bill.
The Minister of State for Communications, Mr John Browne, amended the Broadcasting (Funding) Bill 2003, advocating that the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland, "in preparing a scheme, shall have regard to the understanding and enjoyment of television programmes" by people in that category.
The Bill establishes a new broadcasting funding scheme for television and radio programmes, to be funded by 5 per cent of the net television licence fee receipts. It will be administered by the BCI.
Mr Browne said the amendment required the BCI to take into account the ability of the deaf or hard of hearing to enjoy programmes funded under the scheme.
"There may be some programmes which are unsuitable. For instance, I understand there is a difficulty in regard to subtitling live events.
"However, I expect the BCI to take on board the spirit of the amendment and see to ensure that the programmes which are prepared will have a subtitled account."
Fine Gael's spokesman on communications, Mr Simon Coveney, who had strongly advocated the subtitling of programmes, welcomed the amendment.
The Labour spokesman on communications, Mr Tommy Broughan, claimed the Bill raised many issues about the editorial role of the BCI and the possible future development by Government of other methods by which it could restrict the ability of the public service broadcaster to independently and sufficiently carry out its functions.
"The noted commentator, Mr Fintan O'Toole, has stated that revenue lies at the heart of independence for public service broadcasting. Over the history of RTÉ, the State has sought at times to interfere unduly in the operation of the station. Therefore, the Labour Party regards this legislation as the thin end of the wedge in terms of licence funding."
The timing of the Bill, he added, was inappropriate.
"The Minister would have done better to examine the role of the BCI, its membership, broadcasting policy and commissioning remit, if any.
"Over the coming months, the existence of this fund will raise the issue of a dual mandate for the BCI which will have both a regulating and a programming function through its role in formulating the structure of the funding scheme."
Mr Browne said that given that RTÉ might apply for funds under the scheme, the preparation and administration of the scheme by RTÉ would represent an unacceptable conflict of interest.
