Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 June 2005
32 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason there was such a delay in the appointment of a new RTE Authority; his views on the absence of a management oversight structure in RTE in the intervening period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19933/05]
Amharc ar fhreagra80 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when he will be able to appoint a new RTE governing authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19917/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 80 together.
The term of the outgoing RTE Authority expired on 31 May. In accordance with section 4 of the Broadcasting Authority Act 1960 the appointment of a new authority is a matter for Government. In keeping with normal convention I am consulting with my Cabinet colleagues in relation to the appointment of a new authority and I expect that a new authority will be in place later this month.
The new authority will face many challenges in building on the achievements of the outgoing authority. These challenges will include: determining how RTE can continue to best serve its audiences in the digital era; ensuring that RTE's services continue to be of relevance to Irish audiences in an environment that is becoming increasingly competitive; ensuring that RTE effectively manages the financial resources available to it; and determining the organisational structure that would best suit the delivery on RTE's mandate in the medium term.
