Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 July 2023
112. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she intends to review television licensing on foot of the recent RTÉ payments and perks controversy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34487/23]
View answerWhen considering the report of the Future of Media Commission, the Government decided not to accept the recommendation that the TV licence be abolished and replaced with Exchequer funding. Instead, the Government decided that the current system should be reformed and enhanced to provide a more equitable and sustainable funding model.
Government established a Technical Working Group to examine potential reforms, including how the licence fee might be reformed to reflect changes in technology and viewing habits. The Group commenced its work last September and has submitted their report to me. However, given the ongoing issues in RTÉ, a Government decision on the future funding model for public service broadcasting has been paused until the independent examination of RTÉ that I announced on 4 July is complete and the findings considered.
