Broadcasting Sector Regulation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2013

Tuesday, 16 April 2013

Questions (724)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

724. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if Radio Telefís Éireann journalists and presenters are subject to contracts which prevent them doing their job in a way which will undermine the objectives, including the commercial objectives, of RTÉ; and if there is a conflict between such terms and a journalist and presenter’s duty to report on matters in an unfettered manner, particularly on matters relating to RTÉ. [16292/13]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

RTÉ is an independent national public service broadcaster whose remit and obligations are set out in Section 114 of the Broadcasting Act 2009.

Section 98 provides that the company shall be independent in the pursuance of these objects, subject to the requirements of the Act and as such, I, as Minister, have no function in the management of RTÉ’s day to day affairs including in relation to the contractual position of RTÉ employees.