Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We are aware of RTÉ's interim funding request of €34.5 million, which was issued last May. The Minister has mentioned only €16 million here today, as recommended by the Future of Media Commission. Considering the anticipated €21 million drop-off in licence fee revenue by the end of the year, how does the Minister justify the apparent shortfall in the context of her budgetary discussions, which will occur in the next six days? She has mentioned €16 million. She has said she is in budgetary discussions. We have six days to go but we will not see the strategic plan that will be published by the DG, Mr. Kevin Bakhurst. I am just trying to get an understanding as to how the taxpayer will bridge the financial crisis hitting RTÉ, including for its staff, who are fearful of what will happen into the future. May I get an understanding as to how this will play out over the coming months, taking into account that the external independent reviews will not be published until next January, in 2024? What happens next?