Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 32: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason there was such a delay in the appointment of a new RTE Authority; his views on the absence of a management oversight structure in RTE in the intervening period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19933/05]

Dan Boyle (Cork South Central, Green Party)
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Question 80: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when he will be able to appoint a new RTE governing authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19917/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 80 together.

The term of the outgoing RTE Authority expired on 31 May. In accordance with section 4 of the Broadcasting Authority Act 1960 the appointment of a new authority is a matter for Government. In keeping with normal convention I am consulting with my Cabinet colleagues in relation to the appointment of a new authority and I expect that a new authority will be in place later this month.

The new authority will face many challenges in building on the achievements of the outgoing authority. These challenges will include: determining how RTE can continue to best serve its audiences in the digital era; ensuring that RTE's services continue to be of relevance to Irish audiences in an environment that is becoming increasingly competitive; ensuring that RTE effectively manages the financial resources available to it; and determining the organisational structure that would best suit the delivery on RTE's mandate in the medium term.