Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I have some questions on broadcasting. Following his appointment, the Minister indicated that he was going to move away from the notion of a broadcasting charge, which was mentioned by a previous Minister, with a view to generating additional revenue for RTE to meet its commitments. The Minister has indicated a desire to sweat the assets, so to speak, in terms of getting a better return on the existing licence fee. Is he still of that mind? Does he still believe that more moneys can be drawn from the licence collection system and, if so, how much?

It has been reported in the media that the Minister has had discussions with RTE which has laid out its commitments in line with various requirements under the Broadcasting Acts. The Broadcast Authority of Ireland, BAI, has made clear that RTE would need more money if it is to continue in its role. Will the Minister share with us his thoughts, including the thoughts he shared with RTE's director general and the chairperson of the board, as to how they might meet their funding requirements in the coming months and years?