Commercial radio bosses are calling for the broadcasting levy for radio stations to be scrapped.

Currently, all licenced broadcasters have to pay the charge to fund the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland.

That's despite a promise in 2016 by then Taoiseach Enda Kenny to abolish the levy within the lifetime of the next Fine Gael government.

Independent radio stations say the levy's introduction 10 years ago is disproportionately affecting them.

They instead want the TV licence fee to fund the BAI.

The Government is suggesting they may only halve the levy.

Today, Junior Housing Minister Damien English said the Government is still committed to addressing the levy.

He said: "I gather there's a lot of support for this across parties.

The public sector broadcasting arm of all the local radio stations do great work and provide a great service.

Broadcasting levy bill

The junior minister explained that Communications Minister Richard Bruton is aiming to bring forward a bill in the coming months.

He added: "With all the Brexit legislation, it could be delayed a little bit. But it's coming forward.

"In that, there's amendments that will deal with this levy. I think this will be a positive development."

Commercial radio bosses, meanwhile, are set to question TDs this evening on their inaction when it comes to the issue.

Chairman of the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland, John Purcell, said they now want to see action.

He argued that a 50% cut would be a "start" but not the full commitment.

He explained: "We've heard a lot of talk, and we want to see them walking the talk.

"We'll be looking for timeframes, and we'll be looking at how it's going to be delivered.

"We don't feel that any further delay is acceptable in the current environment."