Statement from Director General of RTÉ, Dee Forbes in response to the announcement on Tuesday 27th September by Minister Catherine Martin TD that, consistent with the recommendations of the Future of Media Commission, RTÉ will receive €15million in interim funding.
“RTÉ welcomes the Government’s follow through on its commitment to begin implementing the recommendations of the Future of Media Commission in today’s announcements. The Commission Report noted that, ‘Ireland’s media sector has an enduring value and importance to members of the public, to wider society and democracy’. The implementation of the Report’s recommendations is vital to ensure this role is sustained and underpinned. A number of key recommendations related to media are now being progressed, funding for the new Media Fund, the removal of VAT on newspapers and interim funding for RTÉ. RTÉ looks forward to engaging in the coming weeks with the Department on proposals to reform the TV Licence system, which are due to be considered by Government in November.”