A leading Government TD has criticised RTE for their timing in regards to reforming the current TV licence fee system.
In response to RTE’s call for reforming the system Independent TD Mattie McGrath said the idea was not right and that the broadcaster had a brass neck.
Speaking to Newstalk, McGrath said that the broadcaster’s request was unreasonable given that everyone is suffering at the hands of the pandemic.
McGrath told Newstalk that the broadcaster had a brass neck to call for a reform of the licence system in the midst of a pandemic and that it’s not only them who are suffering but other companies and people too.
The Independent TD went on to say that any reforms should come from the top and the broadcaster should look at the salaries of their top earners.
McGrath’s comments come after it was reported that the State broadcaster is to request a reform of the TV licence system at an Oireachtas public accounts meeting on Thursday.
It is believed that the broadcaster will seek to increase the licence fee and expand its coverage to include streaming devices such as tables and laptops.
RTE say an increase of the fee is needed to cover costs as the broadcaster loses an estimated €60m in revenue each year.
It is also reported that the call reforms are being considered as am estimated 13% of the public are not paying the TV licence fee.
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