Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank Ms Licken. Her Department covers a wide range of issues and areas. I have some questions. Focusing on RTÉ, and looking at its accounts, that organisation has run a deficit for six consecutive years. RTÉ's income has reduced by €100 million in the same period, while costs have increased by €30 million. Land was sold in the last year as well. In addition, in 2019, RTÉ recorded borrowings of €95 million. The director general of RTÉ, Dee Forbes, described the situation as "unsustainable".

The overall picture with this commercial semi-State, which comes under the remit of the Department, looks to be far from secure. We have concerns about this aspect, and Ms Licken might like to comment in this regard. Does she see RTÉ perhaps requiring some kind of a State bailout? Are we facing into a crisis with the organisation? I would like Ms Licken to outline, briefly, her Department's take on the current situation.