Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 May 2026
653. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the assessment that has been made of whether RTÉ's reported financial surpluses in recent years reflect genuine structural improvements to the organisation's financial position or are attributable in part to temporary or one-off cost-saving measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39676/26]
View answerThe RTÉ New Direction Statement of Strategy, published in June 2024, sets out how it will transform to take account of the major changes in the media landscape, audience preferences and behaviours. The strategy is also clear about the need for changes inside RTÉ, and commits to driving efficiencies and robust financial management, as well as building a sustainable, trusted and responsible organisation.
The strategy commits RTÉ to ensuring robust financial management and performance. It is about ensuring that all aspects of its expenditure, production models, and ways of working, are reviewed, to ensure the broadcaster is delivering maximum value for money and operating with a rigorous approach to financial management. The strategy also commits to a smaller and more agile workforce, and through a phased Voluntary Exit Programme, RTÉ is seeking to reduce overall headcount by up to 400 over the lifetime of the Strategy.
As a public service broadcaster, RTÉ is required to prepare and submit to Coimisiún na Meán, annual plans and commitments to meet their statutory objects and to deliver on their statement of strategy commitments. 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.
Separately, under the provisions of Section 109 of the Broadcasting Act 2009, RTÉ is required to present to the Minister, a copy of its annual accounts and auditor’s report not later than six months after the end of its financial year. As such RTÉ’s 2025 annual accounts are due to be presented to me on or before 30 June next, but as they have yet to be submitted to me, I cannot comment on the outturn for last year. Upon receipt, the annual report and accounts will be reviewed by NewERA, who as part of their statutory functions will provide me with the necessary analysis of RTÉ’s financial position.
