Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 May 2013
398. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the public service obligation of RTÉ extends to the dissemination of public information on its Aertel services; if public information provided by local authorities should be provided by RTÉ as part of its public service obligation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22177/13]
View answerRTÉ is an independent national public service broadcaster whose remit and obligations are set out in Section 114 of the Broadcasting Act 2009. In particular, section 114(1)(b) of the Broadcasting Act 2009 provides that, as one of its objects, RTÉ shall establish and maintain a website and teletext services in connection with the other services of RTÉ.
The obligation in regard to teletext services is met through RTÉ's Aertel service and this service provides a wide range of public information. The decision as to the extent and breadth of the public information to be provided on the service is, however, a matter for RTÉ in the context of its editorial independence.
