I propose to take Questions Nos. 148 to 151, inclusive, together.
RTE 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 RTE's day to day affairs including decisions it makes on its financial expenditure and on its budgetary position. These are purely matters for RTE management.
RTE has a direct obligation under Section 105 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 to ensure that its revenue is at the earliest possible date at least sufficient to meet all sums properly chargeable to its current account and to make suitable provisions with respect to capital expenditure. I am satisfied that RTE management is fully cognisant of this obligation and are taking all the necessary steps to ensure that the company continues to be in compliance with the terms of the provision. In this regard, I can confirm that I have engaged with the Director-General of RTE on a number of occasions since my appointment as Minister and I have made my view clear that a continuing deficit position is not tenable. I believe that RTE management fully concur with this and are taking the remedial action necessary to address the situation. I have been assured that RTE is taking all the necessary steps in its intention to return to a break-even position by the end of 2013.
In regard to the question of State Aid requirements, I would also like to assure the Deputy that the Broadcaster is fully compliant with State Aid rules and in this regard, I can confirm that the Directorate General for Competition in the European Commission are being kept fully informed of developments in Irish television broadcasting. The only public funds to which RTE have access are television licence fee revenue; there have been no additional funds provided to the broadcaster by the State.
I am aware of the process which the Competition Authority and RTE have been engaged in over the last number of years. Compliance with the outcome of that process is a matter for the Authority and RTE. However, I am assured by the broadcaster that all necessary steps are being taken, including the institution of a new advertising sales model, which has been in place since July of this year.
