The Director General of RTÉ Dee Forbes has called on the Department of Communications to re-address the current TV licence system.
Speaking before an Oireachtas Committee on communications this afternoon, Ms Forbes said the need for reform is greater than ever.
Ms Forbes who has not called for a fee increase, but instead called for the collection of unpaid fees, told the committee that the continuing loss of funding is affecting the National broadcaster as it is unable to compete.
In a detailed review of the broadcaster’s performance, Ms Forbes said the average loss of €60m in uncollected fees is harming the broadcaster as it is unable to provide quality programing in a number of key areas including children’s TV and the arts and culture sector.
Although Ms Forbes agreed an increase to the fee was unfair, she did reiterate that further investment is required in order to provide a stable future for the broadcaster.
Ms Forbes also told the committee that new alternatives must be explored in order to collect all licence fees, but more importantly uncollected revenue each year.