Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 October 2023
10. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she is reviewing the performance of the RTÉ board in the context of any future further financial aid to RTÉ from the State; if she has considered the evidence and discussion at Oireachtas Committees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45797/23]
View answerThe role and responsibilities of the Board of RTÉ, and the relationship of the Board to me as Minister, are set out in the Broadcasting Act 2009 and Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies. Under the Code of Practice, the Chair of RTÉ is required to provide an annual comprehensive report to me as Minister setting out the system of internal controls in place.
Despite the systems of control described in the comprehensive reports previously submitted to me, it is clear that there have been serious governance failings in RTÉ that must be addressed.
It is for this reason that I established an independent Review of Governance and Culture in RTÉ, overseen by an Expert Advisory Committee led by Professor Niamh Brennan. This Review will focus in particular the compliance, or otherwise, by RTÉ with the Code of Practice and whether the corporate governance framework applying to RTÉ includes a robust system of internal governance.
The direction and oversight of the RTÉ Board is a critical part of the system of internal governance and I expect that the Expert Advisory Committee will address the role of the Board, including identifying areas where the role of the Board needs to be improved and changed. In this context, I also expect that the Expert Advisory Committee will be considering the evidence provided by RTÉ Board members to Oireachtas Committees as regards the oversight that the Board previously exercised.
Given the timing of the review and the associated Review on Contractor Fees, HR and Other Matters, compliance with their recommendations will form part of any requirements for a long-term funding settlement for RTÉ as part of future funding reforms.
In terms of interim funding, as recommended by the Future of Media Commission and underpinned by the more recent NewERA analysis, €16 million is required for RTÉ for 2024. In light of the decline in TV licence fee revenue, NewERA made a further funding recommendation of up to €40 million for RTÉ for 2024. This will be considered later in the year following submission of a strategic vision with costings by RTÉ.
