Dáil debates
Wednesday, 27 May 2020
Covid-19 (Communications, Climate Action and Environment): Statements
11:25 pm
Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source
I will deal with the Deputy's first question. The National Parks and Wildlife Service's bog restoration programme will create 40 jobs. Bord na Móna has won that tender. The advanced rehabilitation of Bord na Móna's bogs will create more than 200 jobs. The company intends to start that work before the end of the year. The retrofitting of homes in the midlands will provide 400 jobs. We are taking definite steps to ensure that workers in Bord na Móna have the opportunity to reskill to obtain those jobs. We are seeking to create employment opportunities for those who are displaced.
I have discussed RTÉ's funding problems with both the chairman and the director general. As Members can imagine, advertising revenue has taken a severe hit. Revenue has decreased very significantly. As a consequence of that we have commenced an evaluation, to be carried out by NewERA, which advises the Government in its capacity as shareholder. This review will work out what changes are necessary and how to address RTÉ's funding needs. That work is ongoing. I or my successor will be in a position to report to the House in due course.
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