Minister ‘couldn’t imagine’ a future government rowing back on the commitments even though no legislation would be needed to do so
Minister for Media Catherine Martin announces a public funding package of €725 million for RTÉ over the next three years. Photograph: Nick BradshawMs Martin announced a public funding package of €725 million for RTÉ over the next three years, divided between licence fee revenue and exchequer contributions.
A crackdown on licence fee evasion is now planned, but under the terms of the funding package announced on Wednesday, that would not yield any additional revenues to RTÉ, as the exchequer funding will reduce if the licence fee income increases., which collects the licence fee for RTÉ, is to be given €6 million to improve its collection procedures and crack down on evasion.
Ms Martin defended the compromise reached on Wednesday, saying that “we all have different opinions, it’s a Coalition Government”.The level of overall State funding is significantly below what RTÉ sought – €55 million below what the station had said it needed for the next three years. For next year, the broadcaster will get €225 million between the licence fee and the exchequer funding – but this is €30 million below what it sought.
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