Fine Gael plan to scrap the broadcasting levy for independent broadcasters

Fine Gael is committing to scrapping the broadcasting levy for independent broadcasters.

At the moment, independent stations have to pay a levy towards funding of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland.

The IBI, which represents the independent sector, has been calling for the scrapping of the levy, which is based on the size and income of those stations.

Enda Kenny told Ocean FM he'll scrap it if Fine Gael is re-elected. He said: "I recognise the contribution that independent broadcasters make.

“So what Fine Gael commit to here is to scrap the levy on broadcasters and put them on a level playing field with foreign competitors."

He said funding the move would involve enforcing "far better compliance with the requirement of paid TV licences".