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

The technical working group was established last year and began work in September. It looked at enhancement and reform of the TV licence model. High-level discussions on the report had commenced before the summer, but the decision was paused in light of the controversy. I have said on many occasions since then, and earlier in my initial response, that for too long, Irish Governments have failed to address the question of how to fund public service broadcasting. All options remain on the table. I am determined that this Government will be the one that makes the decision. We are waiting for the reports of the two expert advisory committees. Unlike the other reports on RTÉ, these are the ones we have commissioned that will have actual recommendations with them. After we see the recommendations, I am hopeful we can make a decision as swiftly as possible. I will be seeking the co-operation of all Members of the House to help us grasp this nettle and fund public service media, because we certainly need it. It can be seen how much we depend on reliable sources of information.

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