Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 May 2026
652. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the criteria used to assess whether the multiannual funding allocation to RTÉ is delivering measurable reform and value for money for the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39675/26]
View answerIn response to revelations concerning failures in internal controls and corporate governance at RTÉ three years ago, the Government appointed two Expert Advisory Committees whose reviews were published on 7 May 2024. The Review of Governance and Culture made 90 recommendations, of which 78 were for RTÉ, with the Review of Contractor Fees, HR and other matters making 26 recommendations for RTÉ.
In response, RTÉ published an implementation plan, which was published on 21 June 2024, which sets out the actions is has committed to undertaking to deliver each of the relevant recommendations and to bring about the necessary reforms. RTÉ submits regular progress reports on its implementation plan to a Monitoring Group, comprising senior officials from my Department and NewERA. Last July, the Government noted the First Interim Progress Report on RTÉ’s implementation of the recommendations of the reviews, and a concluding report will be prepared for me and Government when appropriate next year.
In June 2024, RTÉ also published its New Direction Statement of Strategy which covers the period 2025 to 2029. It sets out how it will change to take account of the ongoing transformation in the media landscape, audience preferences and behaviours. The strategy is also clear about the need for change inside RTÉ, and commits to driving efficiencies and robust financial management, a smaller more agile workforce, as well as building a sustainable, trusted and responsible organisation. Under the Broadcasting Act, the Minister does not approve the contents of the Strategy.
In July 2024, the Government committed to a three-year multi-annual funding agreement for RTÉ, which provided a commitment to public funding, consisting of both Exchequer funding and TV licence revenue over the years 2025 to 2027 to enable RTÉ implement its strategy.
As a public service broadcaster, RTÉ is subject to regulation and supervision by Coimisiún na Meán and is required to prepare and submit to An Coimisiún annual plans and commitments to meet their statutory objects, and to show how they are delivering on their statement of strategy. RTÉ reports to Coimisiún na Meán on the delivery of these commitments and An Coimisiún submits reports to me – which form part of the assessment of RTÉ’s funding needs.
In this regard, some of the proposals I have brought forward as part of the Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill are designed to strengthen the oversight of RTÉ, with an enhanced statutory framework for the regulation and supervision of RTÉ by Coimisiún na Meán, with more regular reviews and reports on RTÉ's performance and funding needs, and importantly bringing RTÉ under the remit of the Comptroller and Auditor General.
