Independent radio stations are pleading for the creation of a new public service broadcasting fund.

They say it should come from the new household broadcasting charge that will replace the TV licence fee.

The group represents the 34 independent radio stations around the country.

It says the fund should also see proper and sufficient funding for RTÉ.

The Chairman of the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland (IBI) is John Purcell.

He has told an Oireachtas Committee that RTÉ do not have a monopoly on the provision of good public service radio.

But he says if the inefficiencies in the State broadcaster were addressed then there could be more public money for all broadcasters.