Tánaiste and Media Minister still at odds over future RTÉ funding
The Taoiseach has vowed that “this is the Government who will resolve the funding issue” for RTÉ as Tánaiste Micheál Martin and Media Minister Catherine Martin continue to contradict each other on the idea of direct state funding. Following the publication of three damning reports probing the governance, culture and spending at the national broadcaster, attention is now turning to how RTÉ will be funded. Minister Martin contended on Tuesday that while she will bring proposals to Cabinet on a funding model before mid-July, it could be autumn or winter by the time legislation putting the system in place could be passed. She also admitted that the Government could run out of time and that it may be up to a new government after the next election to implement the changes. READ MORE: 'No valid basis' for RTÉ to pay Ryan Tubridy through barter account Speaking in the Dáil on Wednesday, Taoiseach Simon Harris vowed that the Government would put a new funding method in place for RTÉ. “This is the Government that will settle the question in terms of how to sustainability fund RTÉ and public service broadcasting,” the Taoiseach said. “There are probably two options on the table. Ultimately, there is a rubber-hits-the-road moment in terms of RTÉ responding with the full implementation plan and this being an enabler for the Government being able to make a decision once and for all on sustainable funding. “I acknowledge the Trojan work done by Minister Catherine Martin in very difficult circumstances over a sustained period of time that has helped bring us to this point today. She will be the Minister and this will be the Government who will resolve the funding issue.” The two options on the table are understood to be either direct Exchequer funding or a Revenue-collected charge. The Tánaiste once again expressed his opposition to direct funding at an event in Arbour Hill on Wednesday. Mr Martin said: “My fundamental view was that if there's a total dependency on the State for funding, I don't think that's healthy in a democracy. “Remember, the funding is not just for our RTÉ. It's for all public service content in different media. It is an important principle that there is that separation between the government of the day and media funding. We've seen in other countries the slippery slope of how that can erode democracy and undermine democracy.” On RTÉ’s News at One, Minister Martin argued that the Exchequer already provides “significant funding to public service media”. “Exchequer funding has been successfully introduced elsewhere, and I believe that it can work here,” she said. “To be clear, I think with all models there's a risk of political involvement. Even the licence fee rate as we have now is something that is set by Government. “There are advantages and disadvantages to all models, but I believe that the Exchequer model is one that should be considered.” For the latest breaking news and top stories, visit our homepage Join the Irish Mirror’s breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
