Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 July 2023
546. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will separate TG4 fully from RTÉ, including its news output and create a new stand-alone Irish language broadcast media service made up of TG4, Radio na Gaeltachta and Radio Rí Rá (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36353/23]
View answerBoth RTÉ and TG4 are standalone public service broadcasters as provided for in the Broadcasting Act, 2009. Section 98 provides that both organisations are independent in the pursuance of their objects which are set out in Sections 114 and 118 of the Act, respectively.
With regard to Irish language services, the Future of Media Commission recommended a comprehensive review of the provision of Irish languages in public service media including the roles of TG4 and RTÉ, as well as public service content providers. This review will be undertaken by Coimisiún na Meán, and will also consider collaboration opportunities, youth engagement and digital media. This review is scheduled to commence in the autumn and report by the end of 2024.
The Commission also recommended that TG4 should have editorial control over its news services. In considering the Commission's recommendation, Government has agreed that while this may have potential benefits for both TG4 and RTÉ , it is necessary to consider the financial and practical implications of the recommendation in consultation with both broadcasters. It is appropriate that detailed consideration of this recommendation forms part of the comprehensive review of Irish language services which Coimisiún na Meán will commence later this year.
It would not be appropriate for my Department to pre-empt this process.
