Decision on RTÉ TV licence funding looms ahead of Dáil recess

The €160 TV licence underpins public service broadcasting but has suffered falling sales in the wake of the controversy that has engulfed RTÉ over the past yearIt is a little over two weeks before the Dáil rises for the summer recess, and the Government has at least one very big decision to make before then – how to fund controversy-hit broadcaster RTÉ into the future.

Responding to the publication of the RTÉ plan, a spokesman for Government confirmed a tranche of funding worth €20 million has now been released to the organisation, with further funding expected to follow as reforms are rolled out within the broadcaster. The Green Party, including Minister for Media Catherine Martin, favour replacing the licence fee with direct exchequer funding but there is pushback from Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.

The views of his successor in the role, Jack Chambers, who will have a major role in the final decision, will be of interest and will likely align with those of Mr Martin and McGrath. The differing views expressed by various senior Government figures in recent months suggest there are some tricky talks ahead over the next fortnight.Anger at the assault on Natasha O’Brien by soldier Cathal Crotty – and the suspended sentence he was handed down – was expressed in the Dáil chamber yesterday. Ms O’Brien was present in the public gallery and got a standing ovation from TDs.of the proceedings is headlined: “We say never again. We voice outrage. We listen to the promises.

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