Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

As I have always said in respect of the TV licence, what it really comes down to is whether we value public service broadcasting. In this day and age, I believe we need it. Public service broadcasting is of more importance than ever before to society and democracy. That is not just news and current affairs but entertainment, education and independent productions. There is an obligation on RTÉ to provide such independent productions. What I am saying to Deputy Dillon regarding the budget is that we should look at the Future of Media Commission's recommendations, but we also need to see a very clear plan on robust governance going forward and the cost efficiencies that RTÉ will put in place. It will not go above that amount until we see that.