A call has been made for extra funding for Irish language channel TG4, and for the station to become independent from parent body RTÉ.
Junior Justice Minister Frank Fahey is championing TG4's campaign to seek increased funding and autonomy from RTÉ to ensure its continued service not only as an Irish language channel but as an alternative viewing choice.
Mr Fahey said he believed the return on the Government investment in TG4 has been "the best".
TG4 is currently getting €24 million per annum from the Government. However, if it is to continue making award-winning, home-produced programmes, it needs more funding.
"The time is right to move forward, and for the Government to make a decision that will secure the future of TG4.
"I believe it has been the best return on a Government investment, and has done more to forward the Irish language and people's attitude to the language than anything else," said Mr Fahey.
He said TG4 was more than an Irish language station, and it had been hugely successful. Its home-made productions showed a side to Irish life and sport not seen elsewhere.
"I am asking the Minister for Communications and Natural Resources Noel Dempsey to seriously consider increasing the Government's annual funding for the station.
"I believe that already TG4 has had to cut back on the number of home-made programmes because of inadequate funding.
"I will go further and propose that they be given independence from RTÉ, and that possibly sometime in the future that TG4 would get a slice of the licence fee."
TG4 employs 75 full-time staff at its headquarters in Baile na hAbhann in the Connemara Gaeltacht, and provides over 300 jobs in the independent production sector. Since its establishment in 1996, the number of viewers has increased steadily.
