Raidió Teilifís Éireann

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 February 2024

Thursday, 8 February 2024

Questions (209)

Robert Troy

Question:

209. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she has she received a proposal from RTÉ for the removal of its plus one channels and its digital radio stations, as outlined in its New Direction strategy, as required under section 103 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 (details supplied); if he received RTÉ's proposal, when she plans to commence her decision making process under the Act; and if that process will include taking submissions from the public. [5850/24]

Written answers

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media (Deputy Catherine Martin)

As provided for in the Broadcasting Act 2009, RTÉ or TG4 may, with the consent of the Minister, vary the number of television or sound broadcasting channels operated. The process established under Section 103 of the Act requires consultation with the broadcaster on the proposal, consultation with Coimisiún na Meán as to the sectoral impact of the proposal, and consideration of the public value of any such proposal.

As part of its Strategic Vision, which was published in November last year, RTÉ has proposed ceasing the broadcast of RTÉ One+1 and RTÉ2+1 by 2028. RTÉ state that their investment in digital services will allow the content on these services to be available more widely through on-demand services and that closing the  plus one channels will allow them to reduce the cost of traditional broadcast distribution and prioritise delivery of live and on-demand content through digital platforms.

To date, no proposal from RTÉ has been received and when it is forthcoming, the merits of the proposal will be assessed, as outlined above, prior to any decision being made.