I move "That the Bill be now read a Second Time."
This is a simple and non-contentious Bill which was prepared by the previous Government. I am advised that it must be enacted by 31st March, 1973. In this connection Deputies will remember that leave to introduce it was granted when the Dáil convened and that the former Taoiseach then briefly explained its purpose. I hope, therefore, that the House will agree to give me all Stages today.
The Bill is an interim measure enabling existing financial arrangements in regard to RTE to be continued for a relatively short period. Its urgency arises from the need to provide statutory authority for continuing to pay grants to RTE in respect of net receipts from broadcasting licence fees. Section 2 of the Bill provides for the payment of such grants for a further period of two years up to and including the financial year 1973-74. Pending the passing of this legislation, RTE's grant for general purposes for 1972-73 was circulated in the normal manner and was included in the Estimate for Posts and Telegraphs which was approved by the Dáil on 13th December, 1972.
This opportunity is being taken to propose an increase from £3 million to £4 million in the upper limit for repayable advances which the Minister for Finance may make to RTE for capital purposes. This is provided for in section 1 of the Bill. The present limit was fixed in the Broadcasting Authority (Amendment) Act, 1964. Advances totalling £2.951 million have already been made. The balance of £49,000 undrawn under existing legislation will not be sufficient to cover advances which RTE will require during 1973-74 to meet existing commitments. Some increase in the present limit is, therefore, essential.
The greater part of the extra £1 million which will be available under this Bill is not being earmarked for specific projects, but some expenditure of a capital nature will be unavoidable over the next couple of years and it is desirable that it should be possible to make repayable advances to RTE from the Exchequer if this proves to be necessary.
I recommend the Bill to the House.
