Ruairi Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Minister stated that a decision will be taken in the summer on how we will fund RTÉ and others. We all realise the spectacular work that was done, especially during the Covid-19 period, by some of our local radio stations and other local media. It is a matter of ensuring we have public sector media in this age of disinformation. It goes without saying, given what has come into the public domain in recent days, that there are still huge issues in accountability at RTÉ. The public has made a determination on that.

I accept what the Minister said about awaiting these reports, but to a degree that will not change anything. We all have the information. We know the various means available. The Minister already answered one of the questions. We are talking about direct Exchequer funding. It is possible, using Coimisiún na Meán or many other means, to ensure there is no political interference in funding for the media.

The Minister referred to the summer. Is she talking about the beginning or the end of the summer? The sooner we can bring clarity the better.

See this speech in context