Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2004
122 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the main features of the proposed charter for RTE being prepared by his Department; if there has been consultation with the RTE authority or staff regarding the terms of the charter; when he expects it to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5818/04]
View answerThe purpose of the public service broadcasting charter is to provide an understanding to the people of what is expected of RTE in return for the substantial public funds provided to RTE from the proceeds of the television licence fee. The key aspects of the charter are as follows: it outlines RTE's statutory mandate; it explains the guiding principles under which RTE will operate; and it describes what RTE commits to in terms of the provision of services and in terms of accountability.
There has been significant consultation with RTE during the process of drawing up the charter. An initial draft charter was included with RTE's application for a television licence fee increase in 2002. My officials have also had a series of discussions with senior management in RTE over the past year regarding the charter. RTE also made a detailed submission to my Department last year dealing with issues raised in the submissions received during the public consultation process.
The trade union group in RTE made a submission on the charter as part of the public consultation process. Officials from my Department met the group recently and discussed elements of the group's submission. I intend to bring the finalised charter to Government very shortly after which I will arrange for its publication.
