Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 June 2004
47 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the main features of the RTE charter recently published by him; the way in which it is intended to monitor compliance with the charter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19215/04]
View answerThe purpose of the charter is to provide an understanding to the people of Ireland of what is expected of RTE in return for the significant public funds provided to RTE from the proceeds of the television licence fee. Broadcasting legislation requires RTE's radio and television services to have the character of a public service, to be offered free to air and to be universally available, where practicable, to the whole community on the island of Ireland.
Building on RTE's statutory remit, the charter is a statement of principles which clarifies what is expected of RTE as the national public service broadcaster, including RTE's accountability to its audience. The main guiding principles of the charter deal with RTE's public service remit, regional emphasis, children, Irish language programming, social inclusion, physical, sensory and intellectual disability and gender. In addition, RTE has made commitments in respect of the provision of services and accountability.
I will keep the charter under review so that it continues to reflect change in the nature of society and changes in the broadcasting environment. A formal review of the charter will be carried out in five years. The full text of the charter is available on my Department's website, www.dcmnr.gov.ie, in both English and Irish.
