Fianna Fáil leader Micheal Martin has said there could be “dangers” in directly funding RTÉ as his party’s annual think-in concluded with a debate on the future of broadcasting in Ireland.
Speaking to reporters at the end of the event, the Tánaiste said the Government had to take “some interim steps” to deal with a financial crisis within the national broadcaster.
The think-in, which was held at the Horse and Jockey Hotel in Co Tipperary, featured a session on the party’s budget priorities, an update on Housing For All, preparations for local and European elections, and a panel debate on the future of media and broadcasting in Ireland.
Asked about the funding of RTÉ after that closing session on media, Mr Martin told reporters “one could see dangers” in fully funding the national broadcaster through the annual Exchequer.
He said: “Democracy really rests on that [media] independence being ring-fenced and secured. That is a genuine concern I have, any funding model we develop has to respect that necessary independence between Government and media.”
Mr Martin said, in addition to financial issues, there were concerns about the broader governance framework within RTE.
He said a “fudge” between the commercial and public service activities of the national broadcaster should “end once and for all”.
“There should be clarity and transparency around that,” he added.
Mr Martin said programmes such as RTÉ Radio One’s current affairs show Drivetime should not be commercially sponsored.
Asked about a Budget bailout for the national broadcaster, Minister for Finance Michael McGrath said the Government was awaiting independent analysis from NewERA about a range of issues at RTÉ.
RTE had previously requested €34.5 million in interim funding and has since projected that it will face a €21 million drop in licence fee funding by the end of the year.
However, Mr McGrath cautioned: “In any negotiation, whether it be one minister to another or one state-supported body looking for funding from the Exchequer – you rarely get everything you want.”
Earlier on the second day of the think-in, the Minister for Housing told reporters that work was continuing on giving tenants first refusal for the purchase of a home they are renting if it goes up for sale.
Darragh O’Brien said it was “crucial” that the Budget includes changes to the tax treatment of landlords.
In addition, Mr McGrath said the Government is considering a measure on the rising cost of fuel in the forthcoming Budget.
