Rejecting accusations that the Government has given RTÉ a “blank cheque” as part of its multi-year financing plan is Minister for Media Catherine Martin, reports RTE.
She further stated that as part of systemic adjustments, there may be consideration of a potential fixed penalty notice and a potential statutory exemption program for those who fail to pay the TV Licence charge.
Ms. Martin stated at the plan’s introduction at Government Buildings that RTÉ will receive a €725 million, three-year budget as part of the plan.
This amounts to €225 million in 2021, €240 million in 2026, and €260 million in 2027, reports RTE.
The Exchequer and the current TV Licence charge will jointly provide the cash.
When questioned about this situation, Minister Martin stated that the €225 million for the next year will come from the Exchequer, €78 million in free TV licenses for groups like elderly, and an estimated €105 million from the licence price.
When questioned, she stated that it is neither a “blank cheque” or a situation where poor conduct is being rewarded.
Minister Martin denied claims that because the Exchequer will cover any shortfall, this method does not encourage individuals to keep paying the TV license charge, reports RTE.
She noted that a taskforce on TV licenses has been tasked with finding measures to improve compliance in order to solve this.
After looking into the matter earlier, this panel will submit a report to Ms. Martin in three months.
The minister acknowledged that the taskforce has already written a report on TV licence reform, but she stated she would provide the “final report”—which is expected in three months—in response to a request for the initial findings.
According to her, RTÉ’s renewal strategy is related to the terms under which it would use the funds, reports RTE.
When asked if the amount of money being paid to the broadcaster included redundancies, Ms. Martin said that it does, but she added that the precise amount is still being looked at.
“That’s what we’re working out in the scheme right now,” the minister stated, adding that RTÉ and officials are now discussing the potential of a ceiling on redundancy payments.
At the conclusion of an intense press conference, Ms. Martin objected to a line of inquiry, telling a reporter that she felt “it is unacceptable” and that she had “had a year of it.” She also said that she shouldn’t “be screamed at.”
Additionally, it was announced today that An Post will continue to collect the licensing fee and receive an additional €6 million in financing over the course of three years in order to increase collection rates, reports RTE.
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