Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 June 2004
69 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on the progress which has been made by RTE since the licence fee increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19279/04]
View answerThe television licence fee was increased by €2 from 1 January 2004 which brought the annual cost of a licence to €152. I approved the increase in the television licence fee so as to ensure that RTE would be in position to continue to deliver the quality of service it is mandated to and which the people of Ireland deserve and expect.
RTE has published its annual statements of commitments for 2004. This document taken together with RTE's change management commitments for 2004 will be key inputs when RTE's performance in 2004 is being evaluated for the purpose of the annual licence fee adjustment. RTE's annual report has been published and highlights a significant improvement in RTE's financial position in 2003, especially in light of significant deficits in 2001 and 2002. RTE's financial position shows a surplus of €2.3 million for 2003 compared to deficits of €46 million in 2001 and €22 million in 2002.
