Michael McGrath, the Minister for Public Expenditure, expressed his intention to closely monitor the progress made by the national broadcaster, RTE, in implementing the promised reforms under its new director general.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar previously stated that any interim funding for RTE would come with conditions, emphasizing greater accountability on the broadcaster’s part.
Last year, RTE negotiated a bridging payment of €50m with Media Minister Catherine Martin and Michael McGrath, who was then the public spending minister. This payment was intended to sustain the broadcaster while a review of its future funding model was conducted. RTE’s new director-general, Kevin Bakhurst, recently highlighted the ongoing need for additional funding due to the financial challenges faced by the organization in the current and upcoming years. He has actively presented his case for this funding to the government.
Michael McGrath encourages people to continue paying their TV license fees as it is vital for sustaining public service broadcasting. He also hinted at the possibility of additional public funding being provided in the future.
When asked about funding for RTE, McGrath stated that he would not preempt the estimates process being conducted by Minister Catherine Martin and the current Minister of Public Expenditure, Paschal Donohoe. However, he assured the public that the government is closely observing RTE’s progress in implementing necessary reforms and will ensure adequate funding for sustaining public service broadcasting.
Furthermore, McGrath emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting public service broadcasting, a vital component of democracy. He stressed that the government will not overlook any lack of progress in reform implementation by RTE.
As part of the government’s financial planning, a core expenditure limit of €85.9bn has been set for 2023, with an increase of €6.4bn planned for 2024. Any additional funding for RTE will be allocated from these budgets rather than through a separate allocation.
These statements from Michael McGrath follow a tumultuous day for RTE, as presenter Ryan Tubridy and his agent Noel Kelly faced separate inquiries by the Oireachtas committee regarding side payments amounting to €345,000 over several years.
The finance minister emphasized that the purpose of these hearings is to gather new information that will contribute to resolving the issues at RTE. This information will be shared with RTE executives later in the week.
While acknowledging the challenges, the finance minister expressed his confidence and determination to navigate the way forward for RTE. He emphasized the government’s commitment to making necessary decisions regarding the future funding of public service broadcasting, which includes resolving the issues currently faced by RTE.
As part of the government’s actions, a forensic accountant has been appointed to investigate RTE’s finances, and two independent reviews are being conducted to address the payments scandal.
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